o Susan G. Komen for the Cure began when Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure says it is the world’s largest grass-roots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The organization says it has invested more than $1.5 billion to fight against breast cancer in the world. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Oregon and Southwest Washington affiliate was founded in 1991.
o More information is online at http://komenoregon.org.
“I’m a survivor,” announced Michelle Gonzalez of Battle Ground as 174 bowlers rolled for the cure at Allen’s Crosley Lanes on Sunday.
Her son, Mario, turned to show the back of his pink T-shirt. It read: “Bowl a spare to save a pair.”
“I’ve had eight surgeries,” Gonzalez said, noting three more surgeries might be needed. But on the bright side, she said, “I have some new boobs.”
o Susan G. Komen for the Cure began when Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure says it is the world's largest grass-roots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. The organization says it has invested more than $1.5 billion to fight against breast cancer in the world. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Oregon and Southwest Washington affiliate was founded in 1991.
o More information is online at http://komenoregon.org.
The accent was on happiness and fundraising at the event.
“We want to hit 10 grand this year,” said Roberta Green, the program director at the lanes. The exact amount raised will be known within two days. This is the ninth year the bowling alley has run the benefit; $8,500 was raised last year, Green said.
Technically, the event is called the Clark County United States Bowling Congress Bowl for the Cure. All proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization.
Bowlers paid $20 or pledged $50 to participate Sunday.
Gonzalez said people need to realize, “You’re never too young to get your mammogram done. It (breast cancer) didn’t run in my family.”
Her family from Kennewick was at the alley, along with friends, co-workers and her other son, Maddex, 5.
“This is such a great event,” said Michelle’s mother, Tina Zavaleta. “All these girls have been her support group.”
Gonzalez is a case manager for the public assistance division of the state Department of Social and Health Services. Her co-workers helped in many ways during her illness, including giving her their sick leave.
Green said 36 of Crosley’s 42 lanes were saved for the Cure event. Six were left for birthday parties, but next year all 42 will be for the Cure.
A few lanes down from Gonzalez’ group, Propac, a Vancouver long-term care pharmacy company, brought 24 bowlers to the event.
A group from North Portland’s Interstate Lanes brought 40 bowlers. The lanes were alive with people in pink.
Zavaleta said she is indebted to her daughter’s friends and colleagues who have “become her family.”
“We will be back next year,” Gonzalez proclaimed. “We will be back with more (bowlers), and we want lanes 1 through 10.”
