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.


Roxann Kinkade,
Director of Communications for Ameristar Casinos, Inc.

Eighteen years ago, Roxann Kinkade was a part of the team that helped plan the very first Susan G. Komen Kansas City Race for the Cure. For the past seven years, Roxann has walked with her Ameristar coworkers and handed out water as participants crossed the finish line. But this year's Komen Kansas City Race for the Cure has a new meaning for her.

Like clockwork, Roxann went in for her annual mammogram on November 19, 2010. She was initially told her mammogram appeared normal. The following week, Roxann received a phone call that the Radiologist had noticed something and they wanted to schedule another mammogram in six months to reevaluate it. "My dad's sister survived breast cancer with some pretty aggressive treatment," says Roxann. "I was so afraid but I wanted to know exactly what was wrong with me." After seeking a second opinion, Roxann was referred to a Surgeon.

Although the Surgeon did not see or feel anything of concern, a sonogram was ordered to help ease anxiety. The spot on the original mammogram turned out to be a benign cyst but the sonogram also discovered cells in another part of the breast. "The tumor was very small, probably no bigger than the tip of an ink pen," recalls Roxann. "While I knew that dense breast makes it more difficult to see changes in the breast even with digital mammograms, I had no idea that having dense breast actually increases your risk of getting breast cancer."

The months to follow would include a lumpectomy, genetic testing, 30 radiation treatments, and a five year prescription to prevent the cancer from returning. Today, Roxann has a clear bill of health and she is thankful that because of the research funded in part by Susan G. Komen, her cancer was found in the earliest stage and her doctors knew exactly what to do. Her advice for women is to not be afraid. "Don't let fear prevent you from getting your annual mammogram. If they see something, ask for further test until you absolutely rule out cancer. Be an advocate for yourself and figure out what is going on with your body. A wait and see approach could change your treatment options."

Pictured above is Roxann and her daughter Kelly at the 2010 Race for the Cure.

Thank you to our 2011 Race for the Cure Presenting Sponsor:     

 


Whose Life Are You Running For? Please email us at teams@komenkansascity.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)