I never would have imagined that our "Dinner for the Cure" committee, supported by many members of Chagrin Lagoons Yacht Club, would have been so successful in our effort to fight breast cancer, but I was mistaken. The first dinner for the cure in 2000 earned $1,750.00, all of which was donated to the Northeast Ohio Komen Foundation. 

In 2001, through the efforts of the "Dinner for the Cure" committee, we were able to donate $5,700.00. We decided to help celebrate life as well by underwriting the Survivors Luncheon which is traditionally held each year during October. We were also able to provide doves which were released at the Survivors Ceremony held on September 18, 2001(in lieu of the race which was cancelled due to the 9/11 tragedy.) I am a survivor and know the feeling of hope experienced by the survivors as doves flew over our ceremony, bringing tears of joy to all of us who feel lucky to be alive. None of this could have happened without your support.

The committee went even further by attending the Survivor Luncheon, volunteering their time as registration, sales and support to the over 400 survivors who attended. They saw first hand what surviving is all about. Women were wearing hats because the chemo had taken their hair, but were just as happy as a person with a new hairdo because they are still surviving. They saw the fear and joy in the women's eyes as they banned together in hope that a cure will be found, all celebrating life.

I myself never would have imagined that our committee would draw so much support from CLYC's members and members of fellow yacht clubs. We more than doubled the donation and exceeded the 2001 goal by over $2,000.00.

In 2002 we will try to surpass the $5,700.00 of last year, but we cannot do it without you. So many people think "What can a couple of thousand dollars do?" I can attest to the fact that just $500.00 alone can offer mammograms for 10 women who otherwise may go undiagnosed because they have no insurance or are underprivileged. If one of those ten women are diagnosed early, their life can be saved.

If every person who attended the Race for the Cure got just ten people to pledge $10, over 2 million dollars would be raised. 

There is no cure for breast cancer but through our efforts and those of you who support us, WE WILL FIND A CURE and I expect it to be in my lifetime. 

Here are some very sobering facts about breast cancer:

1. During the 1900s approximately 1.8 million women and 1,200 men were  diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.     Yes, men, you are at risk too!

2. This year an estimated 182,800 women and 1,400 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

3. Approximately 40,800 women and 400 men will die from breast cancer this year.

4. By age 40....over one in 235 are at risk of developing breast cancer. By age 50 ....one in 54 are at risk of developing breast cancer. Overall one in 8 are at risk of developing breast cancer.

These are very tough figures to read, but they are a reality.

Please help us surpass our goal of over $5,700.00 this year. Save the date, April 19, 2002, to help us fight breast cancer. We are having the raffle and auction again this year and Chef Linda and Chef Carol are planning wonderful meals sure to please your appetite. This will be a night of fun, good food and good friends for a cause that can affect us all and one that we can beat! I hope to see you there, and I personally send my thanks to you in advance as well as the gratitude of my hundreds of fellow survivors.

God Bless and Thanks,
Denise