KIRKWOOD - With 211,000 women and 1,600 men diagnosed in the last year in the United States, one need not look far to understand the prevalence of breast cancer.
About a hundred breast cancer survivors and volunteers showed up at Kirkwood Cross Country Ski Center Sunday for the Winter Snowshoe Challenge benefit snowshoe to raise awareness of and morale for those with cancer and others who may be diagnosed.
Volunteering at the detection tent near the start line, Judi Sparrow of Zephyr Heights knows the reality all too well.
She was diagnosed two years ago - in good health and no history of cancer in the family.
"We were building our dream home, and breast cancer came out of nowhere," she said, handing out pamphlets to participants who had raised at least $100 each before hitting the trail for the San Francisco-based Breast Cancer Fund.
Like many others, Sparrow described the revelation as a "bump in the road" that turned into a blessing. Her daughter, Janna Adams, was diagnosed last September. By that time, Sparrow was able to provide the knowledge and support she needed to get her 36-year-old daughter through the life-altering news.
The computer programmer from Texas received a wake-up call that slowed her down long enough to appreciate life's simple beauties.
"The key to it is a positive attitude," she said.
"When Judi told me that, it's always stayed with me - how she was able to help Janna," said Lynne Doxey, another Zephyr Heights survivor who was also diagnosed a few years with no family history.
Doxey discovered she had cancer through a simple screening while changing her insurance policy.
"At first, I was terrified. You hear the word 'cancer,' and you have one foot in the grave," she said.
Doxey and Sparrow both mentioned events like the Winter Snowshoe Challenge as a way of living life to the fullest.
The challenge featured three routes - with distances of 5-, 7- and 9-kilometers.
"When I had to do radiation, I was never in charge. By coming out here for events like these, we take charge of our lives," said Doxey, who had a lumpectomy. Sparrow had a mastectomy.
The women join a support group once a month at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center. Thirteen people showed up at the last meeting.
Linda Kaczmar of South Lake Tahoe was diagnosed with breast cancer more than five years ago. She took her quest to raise awareness to Mount Shasta on the Climb Against the Odds last summer.
"I feel like I really lit a fire under the community. When I was diagnosed, there was nothing (like support groups). It has snowballed," she said.
Susan Wood can be reached at (530) 542-8009 or via e-mail at swood@tahoedailytribune.com .
