The Impact of Teams - Share Your Story

Every step you take and dollar you raise brings us closer to a future without breast cancer. Because you’re taking those steps with a team, you’re multiplying your impact on the cause.

Featured Team - Panthers for the Cure!

Team Captain Adrienne Lewis writes -

In 2005 I lost both my parents to cancer. It was a terrible blow to lose them both within two months of each other due to complications caused by the disease. Not a day goes by that I don't miss my mom and dad or think about the experiences we may have shared if only they were still with us today.

When my parents were undergoing treatment, I met many of the doctors and nurses who helped with their care. One of the things that I remember clearly is how each and every one of those health professionals was constantly helping to fundraise in suport of cancer treatment research. They went above and beyond the calling of their profession because they knew firsthand the terrible emptiness that losing someone to cancer creates.

Today as a Davenport University instructor I have the privilege of being the Captain of my University's Susan G. Komen race for the Cure team. Our students, faculty, and staff (and their friends and family members) are coming together to raise funds and share their stories of our losses, victories, and the current struggles with cancer. We aren't the top fundraising team, but we have exceeded our team membership and fundraising goals, and we are very proud of the impact we're making together in the fight against breast cancer. 

We're PANTHER PROUD of the fact that every little step counts!

Featured Team - Spartans for the Cure!

Spartans for the Cure is currently the top fundraising team for this year’s Mid-Michigan Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! To date, the team, made up primarily of Michigan State students, has raised approximately $2,798.20. That is 55% of their total team goal of $5,000.

Spartans for the Cure™ hopes to continue their success, and exceed their team goal by race day.  “When I found out we had hit our 50% goal mark I was so excited, I immediately e-mailed the entire team,” said Julie Barrons, race team captain of Spartans for the Cure™. 

Julie’s e-mails and constant communication prove to be key to the team’s success. “My weeks are very busy so it’s easy for me to forget to check my participant center,” said Anastasia Truesdell, the team’s top individual fundraiser. “Julie’s weekly updates of our progress remind me to set aside at least a half an hour during my day to continue sending e-mails to my co-workers, family, and friends asking them to support our cause.” 

Most of the Spartans for the Cure™ agree that e-mails and social networking sites (specifically Facebook), has also been the most pivotal factor in gaining additional teammates and donations. The team continues to utilize other means of fundraising through bake sales on MSU’s campus, pop can collections through East Lansing neighborhoods, and social events, like an upcoming Bowl for the Cure in March.

Whose Life Are You Running For? Please email us at info@komenmidmichigan.org to share your story. We want to share with the community why being a part of the Race isn’t just a life changing event, but a life saving one as well.

• What inspired you to join/form a team for the Komen Race for the Cure?
• Are you participating in honor of a loved one?
• Did you achieve a fundraising goal?
• In what ways has your team activated at the Race? (fundraising activities, special team t-shirts, contests)