Celebrate Everyday Heroes

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Rachel Ferraris has taken some cues from the Energizer Bunny®. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in June of 2006 and joined the Central Georgia affiliate that same summer. She is now involved in almost every aspect of the affiliate including the Race for the Cure, the Speakers Bureau and the Public Policy Committee. In addition, Rachel and her husband Scott started the public policy committee for the Central Georgia Affiliate. Despite damage to her vocal chords after surgery, Rachel still spoke and encouraged others to be heard by elected officials, even meeting with members of Congress and their staffers in 2007. Rachel made a 3-year commitment to Komen’s newly formed Advocates in Science where she will work with a group of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to review national research grants and make recommendations on the researchers’ work. She is also part of the selection committee for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Scholarship Award Program for college scholarships. As part of this committee Rachel is able to pass along vital financial aid for students who lost a parent to breast cancer.

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Like the Energizer Bunny®, Allison Haftel embodies perseverance and a never-quit attitude, raising nearly $20,000 in 3 years for the Central and South Jersey Race for the Cure. Allie’s accomplishment is noteworthy for any age but particularly remarkable because she is 16! Truly believing that one person can make a difference, Allie not only raises money but also raises awareness of breast cancer and the effects of this terrible disease on mothers and the impact on their daughters. After losing her mother to breast cancer, Allie has since taken on the fight against the disease in honor of her mother. It was because of Allie’s efforts and abilities that the affiliate created the “18 and under category” to celebrate the commitment of those under the age of 18.

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Sharon Johnson never stops. Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. She was a single mother raising a 17-year-old son in his final year of high school but continued to work and keep up with a busy teenager throughout her treatments. Sharon ran her first Race for the Cure in 2001 and became a member of the Education Committee in 2004. In 2006, Sharon took on the newly-created position of Executive Director of the Central Valley Affiliate with minimal structure in place, putting in more than 55 hours per week. She has sat as a consumer reviewer on grant panels with physicians to review various breast cancer research projects for the Department of Defense, learning medical and scientific terminology and methods. Sharon discovered MySpace® and hundreds of women going through breast cancer who were scared or had no support or no one to talk to. Sharon reached out to these women, not as the Director of a Komen affiliate, but as a single mother who fought the beast and won.

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The Keep Going® spirit has never been better exemplified than by Inland Empire Affiliate’s Executive Director of two years, Katie Parker. Katie accepted the position after many years of having her own mobile mammography business and contributing her time to two other southern California Affiliates. Katie has a very “sweet-strength” about her and has spent hours comforting women struggling with their battles, often long after others have gone home. She has been instrumental in the plans to open a Breast Cancer Resource Center in her area. This project has been in the works for months and Katie’s dedication to the project has never waned. While staying 100% focused on the job at hand, she has a never-give-up attitude while continually being conscious of how she interacts with others from co-workers, to board members, to volunteers. She constantly rallies those around her when the load seems overwhelming and her kind words motivate and inspire us all.

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Annie Staten’s determination and energy have helped her become a 22-year survivor of breast cancer. After a radical mastectomy, she felt she was spared so she could fight against the disease so other women would not have to share her experience. During her journey, Annie has shared her story on Black Entertainment Television®, represented Komen in many rallies including Champions for the Cure® Lobby Days and Close the Gap, and served as a motivational speaker. Seeing a need, Annie has spearheaded a fundraiser to purchase wigs for cancer survivors in the African-American community, helping women with their self-esteem and sharing words of wisdom. A musical concert at her church raised $2,500.00 for free wigs, offering them free to those in need. She is also the founder and facilitator of Celebrating Life After Breast Cancer Ministry – a free weekend retreat for newly-diagnosed African-American survivors.