UHCL races for a reason

There are 2.16 million people living in Houston. Although the city is a melting pot of diversity, everyone is connected by at least one fact: everyone knows someone affected by breast cancer.

In 2014, the National Cancer Institute estimates there will be more than 232,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S. Though the diagnosis is much more common in women than it is in men, breast cancer does not distinguish between genders. More than 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Men and women alike are taking preventative actions to fight breast cancer and to help find a cure. One of the largest supporters of breast cancer research, the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s Race for the Cure, is supported heavily each year in Houston.

A group of UHCL staff members, the UHCL Sisterhood, gathers each year to walk in honor of their loved ones and to show their support. Rain or shine, the Sisterhood has participated in the Komen race for 10 consecutive years. This year’s Susan G. Komen race was held Oct. 4.

Mary Ann Shallberg, executive associate to the president at UHCL, has been walking with the Sisterhood for many years; she walks to honor friend and former co-worker Vicki Bailey.

“Vicki passed away about eight years ago, but now I walk with her son each year to honor her memory,” Shallberg said. “Walking with her son is very special to me.”

In 2013, the Houston Affiliate for the Race for the Cure raised more than $950,000 to support critical, national research for the breast cancer foundation.

Just as there are myriad reasons why people race for the cure, there are also various events in which to participate. Candace Lehew, UHCL instructional designer, participates in one of the other local walks, the D’Feet Breast Cancer Walk, held in Galveston.

“I walk to honor my aunt who lost her battle with breast cancer,” Lehew said. “I walk to honor all those currently battling this horrible disease.  And lastly, I walk as a seven-year breast cancer survivor to show others they, too, can beat it.”

Lehew knows firsthand the importance of early detection and prevention. She points out that if you do not know your own body, you will not notice changes.

“Cancer does not discriminate based on your age, sex, national origin, race, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status,” Lehew explained.  “Everyone should be doing monthly breast exams, male and female! Early detection is the key.”

Nelda McGuire, retired teacher and current breast cancer fighter, also believes winning the fight against breast cancer means taking the right steps for early detection.

“So much hurt can be prevented by early detection,” McGuire said. “You should never play around when it comes to your health; if you see or feel something suspicious, go to the doctor immediately and get it checked out. Cancer can attack anyone at anytime.”