Heaven continues to wait on breast cancer survivors

Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States battle breast cancer every year including here in Central Oregon. Sunday morning the St. Charles Foundation sponsored a special event for those who have beaten the disease.

For the 378 cancer survivors who were at Drake Park, heaven can definitely wait. The 16th annual Heaven Can Wait 5K Run and Walk brought out numerous people who came to honor the heroes among us.

“It’s so emotional and so exciting that everyone is coming together as a community supporting each other,” one woman said.

“I’m just supporting my mother,” one man said. “She’s a survivor of breast cancer of 19 years.”

About 3,000 people turned out on Sunday with stories much like theirs, to rally around those who have fought to stay alive.

It’s all about “the community coming together for people battling a horrific disease,” said Kelly Jordan, the St. Charles Foundation’s philanthropy officer.

One of those people is Jane Duncan-Brown, who unfortunately is all too familiar with breast cancer.

“I lost my mother to breast cancer so I kind of had a little background on it,” Duncan-Brown said. “It’s scary, but you have to accept what it is — and fight.”

Duncan-Brown has fought her way all the way to 90 years old.

“Well, I didn’t ever think I’d live this long,” Duncan-Brown said. “I thought 60 was old. But I’m not old — I’m mature.”

Duncan-Brown also had some inspirational words to go along with her awesome sense of humor.

“Too much to live for,” Duncan-Brown said. “Too many things to see, too many places to go to give up and stop fighting. Every day is a struggle, but you have to keep pushing.”

Kim Kirk is another survivor, who beat cancer 10 years ago. And on Sunday, she crossed the finish line, surrounded by her loved ones.

“It’s the highlight of my year, every year,” Kirk said. “It’s wonderful to celebrate life.”

With 16 years of support from the community, heaven might be waiting a long time for many of these breast cancer survivors.

“This is a big tradition for so many people, and it’s just really inspiring and encouraging to see so many people come out and support this wonderful cause,” Jordan said.

The St. Charles Foundation expected to raise around $100,000 Sunday, all of which will go toward Sara’s Project, which provides education and early detection services for those in Central and Eastern Oregon.

To learn more: http://foundation.stcharleshealthcare.org/Events/Heaven-Can-Wait