The Call for Endurance
Together We Fight & Race Against Breast Cancer
Deidra Bowling-Meade
The Ashland Beacon
Did you know in 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer? Throughout October, the nation has promoted breast cancer awareness. It’s an important time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and the impact it has on individuals and families. This month served as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, education, and support for those affected by the disease. While October is wrapping up, it doesn’t mean we have to stop advocating for the cause. Holy Family Catholic School is taking breast cancer awareness further by hosting a 5K run on Nov. 23.
Together We Fight 5K is dedicated to raising money for breast cancer awareness. All donations from this event will go directly to support KDMC’s Cancer Research Program. Skyler Downs, who is a teacher and coach at Holy Family School, shared the importance of Holy Family participating in the event, “I wanted Holy Family to participate in the breast cancer run because it’s a meaningful way to bring our community together for a cause that affects so many people. Breast cancer awareness and support align with our values of compassion, care, and love for one another. By participating, we not only raise funds for research and treatment but also show our solidarity with those affected.”
This year, Ms. Julie Peacock, who is the music, art, and librarian at Holy Family School, was diagnosed with stage two invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. It’s her current battle that inspired this event. Ms. Peacock described her cancer diagnosis and her current battle, “About a week before school started this year, I had a mammogram and an ultrasound done only to soon find out that the ultrasound showed an irregular lump that was undetectable on the mammogram. I left the imaging center extremely disturbed because I was going to have to come back in a couple hours for a biopsy of this suspicious place. After the radiologist took a biopsy of the lump, I had to wait another week for the pathology report. I soon found out a year and a half of treatment was in my future. I am currently only halfway through the first step of chemotherapy, and I often feel like my part-time job is going to the fifth floor of the hospital.”
A cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience, often stirring up a complex mix of emotions like fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability, as patients face both the challenges of treatment and the impact on their lives and loved ones. Peacock shared, “I've never been very good at controlling my nerves, and I just about lost it. Being that I thought I was taking good care of my health, I was shocked that I could have breast cancer at age 47. I even breastfed my three children a total of six years, which I always had heard would help prevent breast cancer. My mother died of skin cancer back in the 80s when I was 12 years old, and it changed my life forever. I just hope that I don't follow in her footsteps and that I can live to see my three kids who are eight, 12, and 15, become adults.”
Peacock continued, “While this is definitely the sickest I have ever been in my life, I can say that it has been super encouraging to have so many folks calling, texting, stopping by the house and helping out in so many ways. Before I found out I had cancer, I had always taken my health for granted. Now, I am thankful for every day that I feel good because we never know what the future may hold. I have so far been able to continue to work at Holy Family, wearing a mask for precaution, and taking it a little easier than I typically have in the past. The school community has been extremely supportive in so many ways. I feel very fortunate to have so many great colleagues, students, friends and family who have provided comforting words of support, offered to help, volunteered to help with my classes when I am out, and visited with meals to cheer me up.”
Downs stated, “We wanted to not only show our support for Ms. Peacock but to others fighting this disease. We are proud to bring people together to support breast cancer research, honor survivors, and remember those we’ve lost. We look forward to welcoming participants, families, and supporters as we work together toward a future without breast cancer.”
The event offers much more than just the 5K race. The Markey Cancer Center will be on-site sharing valuable information, alongside KDMC’s mammogram vehicle. Markey has provided state-of-the-art cancer care for more than 30 years and is Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute. It has been ranked among the top 50 cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The 5K is a wonderful opportunity to receive information and get a mammogram that you might have been postponing or neglected to schedule.
Alan Osuch, who is the Director of O Such Tri-state Race Planners, has helped organize the Together We Fight 5K. Osuch and his wife Pam are in their 14th year of helping nonprofits and causes with fundraising and awareness. Osuch stated, “Pam and I have a mission to help the nonprofits and build a healthier tri-state. This 5K is for a great cause. People can expect to experience a positive and family-type environment. Local survivors and affected families will look forward to sharing their experiences and feeling the love and support around them.”
According to Osuch, the race will have age groups starting at five years old, ranging from nine and under to 80 and above, with awards for the top three finishers in each group. Participants will receive an extra soft Bella Canvas T-shirt, and 5K metals will be awarded to winners.
Downs discussed what people can expect on the day of the race, “You’ll see runners and walkers of all ages, some racing competitively and others there to support the cause. Along the route, there will be volunteers handing out water and cheering people on. We will also have sign making for people there to show support to those running. After the race, participants can enjoy refreshments, community celebrations, an award ceremony, and a remembrance time for those who have lost their battle.”
To make this event a success, the two biggest needs are sponsors and runners. The goal is to raise $5,000 through individual donations and sponsorships. Not only does this event provide an opportunity to support a great cause but also promotes businesses.
The levels of sponsorship include:
● Platinum: Largest type logo on the center of the back of the shirt, $1,000
● Gold: Large type logo on the center back of the shirt, $750
● Silver: Medium type on the back of the shirt, $500
● Bronze: Small type on the back of the shirt, $250
● Copper: Smaller type on the back of shirt, $150
● Other donation: Listed on the back of the shirt
● Giveaway basket
If you are interested in donating, please call Holy Family at 606.324.7040 or email Skyler Downs at sdowns@cdlex.org.
Downs declared, “Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a walker, we would love to have you! T-shirts are guaranteed with every sign up!” Those interested in participating in the race may come to Holy Family Catholic School to fill out the paperwork or sign up using the following link: https://www.tristateracer.com/TogetherWeFight5K.
This is your chance to make a difference and show your support for those affected by breast cancer. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering on participants, every step counts in the fight against cancer! By promoting awareness, we encourage regular screenings and empower individuals to understand their risks, fostering a community of support and hope. Together, we can highlight the ongoing research, celebrate survivors, and honor those we have lost, reinforcing the message that awareness and action can save lives. Let’s come together as a community and make a powerful impact.
As Hebrews 12:1 states, “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down,
and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”