Breast Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story Ahead Of Race For The Cure

A breast cancer diagnosis turns your world upside down, regardless of your age but it can be especially difficult when you're young and in love.

It's has been a roller coaster ride of emotions for Amanda King Summers since she married the man of her dreams last year. It was the perfect day with family and friends and since that day she and her husband Clint have been through sickness and health. 

Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 25. She and Clint started dating not long after she finished chemo. 

"She is one of the kindest people I know. She was very quickly accepting. I could see she was accepting of me, accepting of other people. There was no chip on her shoulder with life... what life had thrown to her and she's just so kind," said Clint.

Amanda had been cancer-free for nearly 9 years and enjoying her life working as a dental hygenist but then she began having back pain and went in for a PET scan, the cancer was back.

"It was right as COVID was hitting. Everything was shutting down. We went in thinking I might have a slipped disc. We did not think cancer was anywhere on the plate so it was just a huge whirlwind," said Amanda. 

"It's been a lot of hard discussions. I think mainly revolving around kids and length of life. How we won't grow old together... just some really difficult things that young couples shouldn't have to go through," said Clint. 

Amanda underwent surgery and now is taking chemotherapy again.

"But this is something I deal with the rest of my life. We'll just continue to have scans every few months and check to make sure the cancer isn't spreading but it's not curable but it's treatable," said Amanda. 

Throughout her breast cancer journey, Amanda has been involved with the Komen Race for the Cure.

"I remember going to my first race and it was right after I'd been diagnosed and having on my team like 70 people and just having all these people support me and I didn't have hair so I had a scarf on and just getting to meet other survivors, It's still a very emotional day for me." 

Some of the money raised through the race goes to research and Amanda and Clint are hopeful one day soon there'll be a cure.

"You know it's encouraging. There's so much research being done. [It's] encouraging for us because we know that doctors are working and there could be a cure. There could be new medicine that gets developed so we're hopeful," said Amanda. 

The race is virtual this year meaning you can run or walk wherever you'd like.

You can create your own team or join mine at www.newson6.com/leannesteam.com that's where you can also donate!

Survivors will be part of a survivor car parade on the morning of September 26th at 9 a.m.