Deb Kirkland - My Story

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001 at the age of 32. This came as a shock to me. There was no family history of breast cancer, I thought I was healthy, and I was educated and aware of the disease from being a nurse. I did not think I was at risk. After surgery and chemotherapy, I became involved with Maryland Komen for the Cure. While partnering with Life Bridge Health, Komen provided the Breast Friends program with a platform to help other young women my age diagnosed with breast cancer. Over the years as a breast cancer survivor and advocate, I have been involved with Komen on various levels, including volunteering on the educational symposium planning committee, working on grant reviews for National, and being an international advocate with the Komen Global Summit in Budapest, Hungary. Komen for the Cure has created education and awareness which helps women understand the importance of screening and early detection, which is the key ingredient to the recipe for survival. Each year I participate in the Race for the Cure with my team, each member walking with their own story and their own torch of hope. I have walked the National 3-day, but enjoy the local race as each year we have a survivor tent and we get to see familiar faces and friends each year. These are the faces that we unite with at the survivor tea each year as well. Komen has made a difference in my life, as well as an impact in our breast cancer community.