Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
People support Race for the Cure
Women share stories, say remaining positive is key during fight
ROGERS — Nicole Bagley is making memories each day as she fights her battle with breast cancer.
Bagley, of Bentonville, shared her story with others Saturday morning at the Komen Ozark Race for the Cure.
She was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2012 and went through four months of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation treatment and had a double mastectomy.
Bagley was rediagnosed in October 2016 and learned she has Stage 4 cancer and it had metastasized to her spine. She’s now taking monthly treatments and daily oral chemotherapy pills.
Bagley said her family is a strong support system for her and she believes a positive attitude helps in her fight against cancer. Bagley said it also important to have support from Komen.
She said it was her fifth year to participate in the Komen race.
Bagley had the honor to shoot the starter pistol to begin the 5K non-timed run.
“Each day is like a gift,” Bagley said. “Making memories each day is our motto.”
Torie Smith of West Fork participated Saturday in her fourth Komen race.
Smith has Stage 4 breast cancer. “It’s important to be here to be around positively and people you know understand what you are going through,” Smith said. “Never give up hope. Stay positive.”
Shannon Flynn of Lowell, Lisa Welton of Springdale
and Peggy Young of Bella Vista met for the first time at the Hogeye Marathon in Springdale. The three talked and decided to participate in running events together to support each other.
Each one believes the Komen race is important because of their family and friends wh o h ave fought breast cancer.
“I t wa s definitely on my bucket list,” Flynn said of being in her first Komen event.
David Ploudre of Elkins said he had run in five or six Race for the Cure events. “I love to run and it’s healthy,” Ploudre said. “My sister-inlaw passed away from cancer and that was the reasons why I ran in the first time.”
Eric Aronowitz of Rogers said his mother is a 20-year breast cancer survivor. It was Aronowitz’s first time participating in the Race for the Cure. Aronowitz said he was running to honor his mother’s fight. “It was a rough time for her,” he said. “She had to work while having chemotherapy and she fought a good battle with cancer.”
Latriece Watkins, who was the honorary chairwoman for the race, said 75 percent of money raised stays in Northwest Arkansas. “It means the money stays in this area and help support our friends and neighbors,” Watkins said.
Watkins said her mother is a breast cancer survivor.
Sue Redfield, a Komen board member, said more than 5,000 people participated in Saturday’s event. She said she was pleased with the turnout especially with the wet and cold weather.
Redfield said it was the 18th year the Race for the Cure has been held in the area.