As an almost 7 year survivor, the Komen Mision means so much to me and my daughter Emma, who was only 18 months old when I was diagnosed. At Komen Charlotte we raise money to provide grants to local agencies that help out those who need breast health education, screening and treatment that they would otherwise be without. My hope is that one day my daughter, my nieces, cousins and grandchildren will not have to worry about the BRCA 1 gene in our family. But if they do, I know that Susan G. Komen for the Cure is on the case with dollars granted to national research as well.

2008 is my 7th year volunteering for Komen Charlotte. Though I have not been touched directly by breast cancer, my grandmother is a survivor as is my college roommate who was diagnosed when we were 20. Breast cancer is highly treatable if caught early and with 1 in 8 women diagnosed with the disease, early detection and education is critical. I volunteer so we can continue to raise money to find a cure and educate women on the disease.

Tricia Ory has volunteered with Susan G. Komen for over 5 years in the capacity of Race Treasurer, Board Treasurer and is currently Board Secretary. In 2008, she was recognized with the Promise of One Award for her dedication and contribution to the affiliate’s mission. She is a CPA and the Director of Accounting & Reporting for Continental Tire, North America.

My past involvement with Susan G. Komen for the cure has been through my participation in both the Charlotte and Raleigh races over the years and, in 2006, specifically working with my company's management to sponsor a team for the race in Charlotte. Through my experience in participating in the race and the surrounding race festivities, I am highly impressed with the organization and am inspired by the dedication I have witnessed of the people involved. As a woman, the Susan G. Komen for the cure foundation's mission hits close to home as I personally know many women that have survived breast cancer and without the research that the foundation funds, their survival may not have been possible. It is my goal as a member of the Charlotte affiliate board to help in any way I can to continue this important mission.

I got involved with Komen in 2005 as a volunteer on the race committee. Before becoming the Race Chair, I served as Operations Chair for three years. I became involved as more than just a Race participant because my friend Kristy Adams-Ebel, was diagnosed a second time with breast cancer in 2005. She wasn't one of the lucky ones. But through the Race, I along with a large group of amazing volunteers are going to raise awareness and money to find a cure for breast cancer. I am honored to chair this Race to help raise funds of which 75% stays right here in our nine county service area.

I have been volunteering with Komen for the past 4 years. I began as a grant committee member and then became the grant chair in 2007. The Komen mission is important because we are able to see the fruits of our labor right here in our own community. Komen Charlotte retains 75% of the funds raised to support breast health education, screening and treatment programs in our nine county service area. The additional 25% goes to Komen National and is combined with funds from over 120 affiliates to support the funding of national research grants. I am so proud to be associated with such a great organization and wonderful people. I believe that together we will find a cure.

I began volunteering with Komen in 2006 while still in treatment for breast cancer. Volunteering and interacting with others who are passionate about Susan G. Komen for the Cure and breast health has made all the difference in my recovery. I truly feel a part of the circle of giving because the lymphedema program at CMC I am enrolled in is a long-time grant recipient. Volunteering with Komen is even more rewarding because I personally know how they touch the local community.

W. Michael Smiley, Co-survivor. Principal of Blue Ridge Trust, a financial consulting firm. Volunteer since 2007. Watching my wife battle the disease in 2005/06, as well as losing a dear friend was very personal. I want to help Susan G. Komen for the Cure eradicate breast cancer forever.

I became a volunteer for the Charlotte Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in 2007 and I am very determined to see a world without breast cancer. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 26 and given a 30% chance of surviving three years until a bone marrow transplant increased my odds to 70%. 15 years later, I am very thankful to be a survivor and consider myself very lucky to be working with Komen Charlotte... for the Cure.

Park has been a volunteer with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Charlotte Affiliate for the past 5 years in a variety of roles. Park is a Regional Account Executive for BDP International, a transportation and logistics company headquartered in Philadelphia. He proudly serves on the Board of Directors with his fiancé Tricia Ory.

This is my first year working with Komen. I am excited to be affiliated with such a great group of people who are so committed to women’s health issues. I am so looking forward to be a part of this credible organization. I hope to be a worthy contributor to the goals and the mission previously set. Yvette Bessent, MD, FACOG, Northcross Ob-Gyn

Debra Anderson is the Education Chair for Komen Charlotte. She has been an active volunteer with Komen since 2001 and on the board since 2005. She has a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Carolina. She is a health educator with the Presbyterian Cancer Center.