The 2013 RACE FOR THE CURE‘IN MEMORY OF’ Honoree Denise Soto
Encouraged others to “pay it forward”
Denise Soto was a wife, mother, salon owner, hairstylist, and makeup artist but the title most used by those who knew her was that of ‘giver’. Denise lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 51 in January of 2011. Cancer may have taken her life but it did not defeat the spirit of “pay it forward” she left behind with family, friends, and those fortunate enough to have known her. As many recall, she nurtured and inspired others to rise about their obstacles—even as she was dealing with her own.
Denise used her creative, technical and artistic talents along with her giving nature to come up with answers to the question she continually asked, “How can I help?” She scheduled oncology nights in which she offered cancer patients complementary services, privacy and pampering. Denise instructed her staff on how to encourage and support the people that walked through the doors of the Salon Professional Academy and as she would say “walk them through their fears.”
The acts of “pay it forward” continue in Denise’s honor, even in death, to inspire others to leave a legacy of giving. Family and friends recently honored her with a memorial playground and garden located in the courtyard of the YMCA permanent housing. Many friends and family recall that her love of people and giving grew far faster than the disease she was battling.
Her son, Evan Soto, sums it up best. “I’m probably one of the luckiest people I know, and I’m not kidding. I was adopted in 1988 in Las Vegas by my mom, and that day would forever change my life. The mom I got was the best thing to ever happen to me, and I don’t go a single day without thinking about her. If anything, losing my mom was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to deal with. This was the woman who gave me a chance and I am the strong person I am today because of her. Now I try to “pay it forward” as much as I can.”
THE 2013 RACE FOR THE CURE “IN CELEBRATION OF” Honoree Kelli Andres
One sweet survivor
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Victor Klam once said, “Even if you fall on your face, you’re still moving forward.” Either way you look at, Kelli Andres, the honoree for the 2013 Race for the Cure, is “Exhibit A” of how to pick yourself up from the depths of cancer—TWICE—and continue forth with fortitude, faith and fearlessness. Kelli lost her entire leg at age 12 following a osteosarcoma diagnosis in 1977. Years later—33 to be exact—the University of Toledo graduate, wife and mother was forced to rise to the occasion again when she fell into a stage III breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 45.
Kelli was in the midst of raising two young boys, and miraculously added more “raising” to her full and busy life. Raising funds and awareness with superhuman determination, prompted friend Chrys Peterson, WTOL news anchor and honorary chair of the Race for Cure, to present Kelli with a pink cape. Kelli continues to demonstrate her powers.
If supporting the pink through sharing her story, volunteerism, and adding new members to “Team Andres” that will be out in full force on race day. One of the her favorite endeavors is the annual Confections for the Cure—a sweet event created by Kelli and friend Liz Allen—featuring pink “delectables” created by local amateur bakers to benefit the Komen Foundation.
Kelli is thrilled to be this year’s honoree. She is reminded that not long ago she found the strength to pick herself up, brush off the fear and inspire others help find a cure. She says, “I am extremely proud to be honored by an organization that is a leading force in ending breast cancer. It also reminds me of how far I have come in three short years from surgery, chemo and radiation in 2010, to raising money and awareness through Race for the Cure.”
Lori Miller: Thriving, surviving and hoping for more time
by Mary Helen Darah
“I just wanted to see my babies grow up. All I could do is hope for more time,” says Lori Miller. At 33 years old, Lori was busy raising twins, Ben and Libby, age two, and Zach, age five. Three years prior, a three month old son, Cody, had passed away from SIDS. “I had never done a breast self-exam,” she says, “but something made me do one. I found a lump, and was told to cut back on the caffeine and see what happens. I was getting tired of being told to ‘watch and wait’. The lump Lori found in August, eventually led to a cancer diagnosis the day before Thanksgiving.
“The doctors told me that after they removed the tumor, and had chemo and radiation that I would be cured,” she recalls, “but I was worried it would come back. I wanted a bilateral mastectomy. I had three kids under the age of six. I wanted to be proactive.” She was told she couldn’t have the procedure because she was considered cured and her insurance wouldn’t cover it. Lori found a genetic counselor and when her results came back positive for BRCA2, a gene indicating a high risk for breast and ovarian cancer, she received the go ahead from her insurance company to have her ovaries, breasts, and uterus removed along with reconstructive surgeries.
The effects of six months of chemo, seven weeks of radiation and being thrown into early menopause, led to complications such as lymphedema, tooth loss, and neuropathy in her right foot. “I will try never to complain,” she says, “because I’m still here! Turning the negative into a positive has become my focus. I speak to junior and senior high school girls through the Jewish women’s health organization, Hadassah, and Mercy Health Partners “Check it Out” program. I want them to know the importance of doing their monthly breast self-exams and being their own health advocates. Their jaws drop because I don’t look like a person who survived breast cancer or their grandma who has.”
Lori keeps in amazing shape by teaching group classes and being a personal trainer for the past three years through the Fitness Shack. “I use my experience as a fitness instructor to motivate my clients,” she says. “When they tell me ‘I CAN’T because’, I tell them ‘You CAN because.’ There are very few excuses they can throw my way.”
Lori is grateful for the support from the Metroparks of the Toledo Area where she serves as volunteer coordinator. They have allowed her to leave during work (with pay) to volunteer for various organizations. This allowed her to travel to Washington DC to lobby for more efficient ways to pool resources to fight cancer. Lori ran in the Komen Race for the Cure while in DC and will be running in the Race for the Cure here in Toledo as she has for the past 13 years.
Lori inspires many, especially other single women, who are facing a similar journey. “Being single takes the challenges of the journey to a whole new level,” she says, “and it never goes away. It’s the white elephant in the room. At some point it comes up and you have to get stronger about who you are. It’s hard enough in the dating world without having gone through cancer.”
Ms. Miller is now a 14 year survivor and celebrates this victory with her mother, a 27 year cancer survivor. Her mission remains clear. “I want to be strong for my kids,” she says, “and be here to watch them grow up. You don’t want to wait for a cancer diagnosis to “do better”. That opportunity is right now!”
Julie Christy: Never ask “why me”? Dig deep to find strength
by Christine A. Holliday
Fifteen years ago, Julie Christy’s family practice doctor found a lump in one of her breasts. Having concerns, he sent Christy to a surgeon who ordered a biopsy and mammogram. Both were negative. Six months later, the family physician sent her back to the surgeon to be tested again. The hospital was reluctant to repeat the tests due to insurance issues. “It wasn’t pretty, but I insisted” she remembers, “It led to being officially diagnosed.”
“She had a lumpectomy in 1998 and treatment in 1999 and 2000. Seven years later, she found lumps in her other breast. Choosing “to be aggressive”, she had a bilateral mastectomy. 2007 ushered in breast reconstruction, as well as infections and several hospitalizations. Before the reconstruction was complete two years later, Christy received a diagnosis of Stage IV uterine cancer, which meant more rounds of chemotherapy, two exploratory surgeries and a hernia surgery.
“When I talked to my doctor,” Christy reports, “she said Stage IV Uterine Cancer MMMT Tumor patients usually do not beat this. I asked about all the milestones I would face. She said, ‘At some point, you just have to be right with God.’ I have worked hard toward this…and I think I am getting there.”
Christy was employed full time and running a multi-million dollar project. At first, she hid the diagnosis from her co-workers, fearful that they would think she wasn’t up to the task. Eventually, she began to think of herself as the “poster girl” for the 25 people who reported to her.
Christy has advice for those facing cancer. “Don’t give up before it’s time; this is not just about you, it’s also about those you love. Learn to lean on others when needed, but dig down deep and find your own strength. Only you can get yourself through this.
Help! The short list of ways to help your pink warrior.
Feeling helpless watching a friend or loved one go through the cancer journey? Toledo City Paper offers this “short list” of services in our area and ideas to assist your pink warrior as they battles through his/her cancer war. Keep in mind, you can never go wrong with a hug, a good laugh, a listening ear or a hand to hold.
-Food is always a grand idea. Trying to schedule a group of people to coordinate meals can be as easy as herding cats. Visit takethemameal.com. The website does all the work-except the cooking.
-Get a workout and simultaneously show you care. Physical labor can be tough for someone going through cancer treatment. Grab a rake, snow shovel, or vacuum and lighten your survivor’s load.
-Grab your “pink” pal’s shopping list! Become a“Hanukkah Helper” or “Santa Substitute”. Wrapping, food preparation, decorating for the holidays, or help find the perfect costume for their little goblins for Halloween.
-Make certain your survivor receives their “Breast Cancer Survivor Packet” from the NW Ohio Affiliate of the Susan G Komen Foundation. It will address their particular needs dependent upon what treatment they will be receiving. The Komen Northwest Ohio Affiliate office is a resource for all breast cancer patients. Mary Westphal, executive director says, “We are the breast health powerhouse in Northwest Ohio. We have resources to help not only the survivor but everyone that is affected in the family.” Visit komennwohio.org or call 419-724-CURE (2873) for information.
-Take a breath! The Victory Center, located at 5532 W Central, provides free services for cancer patients and their families. They offer support groups, massage, reflexology, yoga, facials and more. Call 419-531-7600 or visit thevictorycenter.org for more information.
-Treat cancer patients to a special spa day at Ahava Ministries, located at 34 S Saint Clair St., in their caring, peaceful environment. The amazing staff will rejuvenate your survivor’s spirit as they massage, manicure, and assist with picking out and styling a wig. It is truly a ministry of love and kindness. Call 800-699-2597 for information visit ahavaspa.com.
-Who do you call when your buddy can no longer remember where their eyebrows were located? The American Cancer Society of course! The “Look Good Feel Better” program will have them doing just that. Mentors are also available to guide them through every step of their journey. For more information call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
-Going through cancer drains you physically and financially. Nightingale’s Harvest, located at 4727 Sylvania Ave. is a small but mighty food bank for cancer patients and their families in northwest Ohio. Visit nightingales-harvest.org or call 419-725-1190. Free pep talks from their effervescent director and founder Lisa Kronbach-Eisenbach are included.
It's not too late to get involved!
Here’s How:
HOW TO REGISTER:
Register online at komennwohio.org. Thursday, September 19th at midnight is the last day to register online and have your t-shirt and packet mailed to you. After September 19th, registration online is still open until Wednesday, September 25th at midnight but packets won’t be mailed out. Instead you will have to pick up your packet at Brondes Ford Maumee (September 26 – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. September 27 – 10:00 a.m. –
7:00 p.m. – September 28 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or on Race morning at the Registration table.
After September 25th, online registration is completely closed. You can register in-person at Brondes Ford Maumee or on Race day and on Race day the registration fee is $45.
For more information go to komennwohio.org
or call (419) 724-CURE.
