Monday, October 26, 2009

White Doves soar with hope at 2009 Komen Race for the Cure

The White Dove Release Professionals is proud to feature the printed text of the speech made by one of our members at the Survivor's Ceremony for the 17th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Fashion Island, Newport Beach, Ca.


I’ve been a part of this ceremony for the last 15 years as the vendor whose company has been hired to release 100 doves as part of the survivor tribute.

At past Races, I had always felt a great sense of empowerment amongst the survivors here; their pink t-shirts and roses waving in their hands, some shaky and a bit overwhelmed, but all so very, very brave.

How different this ceremony will be for me this year. When I received the request to book this Race date from the survivors, who pay for my doves, I froze, and a flood of emotions took over because I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February. I had a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

I had thought about the times I felt uncomfortable sharing the stage with the survivors and as I cried with them, I really had no idea what it must be like to face the diagnosis. And even though I did not choose to be part of this sisterhood, I now have such a greater understanding and want to make a difference as my journey continues. I am proud to be joining you here on stage, and as my gift to the Komen Race for the Cure® I will be releasing my doves as a donation every year until a cure is found.

Yes, my life has changed, some of the days harder than others, but I did get one thing I always wished for, the perfect blond hair, no roots or split ends (wig off). Pause…

I know now that the many years I spent participating in this event, along with the support of my amazing family and friends, has truly been the backbone to help me fight MY cancer. But for what I have lost, I have gained so much more. This year as we release the doves, may their grace and beauty bring hope to all who are racing to find a cure!!



Presented by Pamla Wright of White Flite White Dove Releases, September 27th, 2009.