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Cancer survivors, Warren family join together in support

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dan Gage
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  More than 1,500 members of the Cheyenne community, along with two teams of Warren's active-duty Airmen, civilian personnel and family members, came to the state capital on a cold, raining morning Aug. 11.

Some came to participate in the race, others came to walk - everyone involved was there to support the Cheyenne Race for the Cure - raising money to find a cure for breast cancer.

"The money raised is critical for supporting research," said Suzanne Barto, 90th Logistics Readiness Squadron Deployment and Distribution Flight Chief and cancer survivor, whose team raised more than $1,000. "It also helps in providing mammograms to those who cannot afford them, educating and raising awareness on the disease, and giving support to family and caregivers."

Along with raising money, the Race for the Cure is also an opportunity for survivors and families to find support and share their stories.

"It's fun for me because I get to participate as a healthy person - a cancer survivor," said Maj. Christine Millard, 90th Comptroller Squadron commander. "But it's also emotional; I've lost an aunt on both sides of my family to breast cancer."

For many there's a common theme - life is short, enjoy it.

"When I got the call two years ago I didn't know what to think," explained Millard. "All I knew about cancer was from stories of people who had died; all I could think was 'what's going to be of tomorrow?'

"Life is very precious," added Millard. "You really don't have a long time on this earth - it seems endless when you're a kid - and when you're in your 20's and 30's, you feel like you still have a lot of time.

"Something like cancer makes you look at things differently," she explained. "You start to think, 'maybe I should go on this trip with my husband: next week may not be the same.'"

Though no two people have the same story, many have similar advice to others.

"As a survivor, a friend of other survivors and one currently fighting the disease, I feel it is always important to share your experiences," said Barto. "I want to let others know there is light at the end of the tunnel. It helps keep life in perspective. Life is short, so take advantage of your time, do something meaningful and know that when the time comes, you have fought your hardest and left an impact.

"This subject is near and dear to my heart," Barto added. "One thing I learned when fighting this battle is that knowing you are not alone makes all the difference in the world."

The Race for the Cure provides a chance for survivors, and those fighting the disease to meet and give each other strength.

"I don't feel like I've had a worst-case scenario," Millard explained. "I've met people along the way who were fighting horrible situations. These events give me an opportunity to reflect on them and share their strength with others."

"Cancer does not discriminate," added Barto. "It is imperative we all stand together and support those fighting the battle of their lives."