The Impact of Teams - Share Your Story

Every step you take and dollar you raise brings us closer to a future without breast cancer. Because you’re taking those steps with a team, you’re multiplying your impact on the cause.

Whose Life Are You Running For? Please email us at info@komenlouisville.org to share your story. We want to share with the community why being a part of the Race isn’t just a life changing event, but a life saving one as well.

• What inspired you to join/form a team for the Komen Race for the Cure?
• Are you participating in honor of a loved one?
• Did you achieve a fundraising goal?
• In what ways has your team activated at the Race? (fundraising activities, special team t-shirts, contests)

August TEAM Spotlight

We’d like to introduce you to Bryana Swearingen, multiple year Susan G. Komen Louisville Race for the Cure® participant, and one of our most successful and motivating team captains.  Bryana, a dedicated 22 year old, who can be described by her friends as “caring” and a “little shy”, has recently started pharmacy school at Sullivan University. Like many participants, she has personal experience with the effects of breast cancer which serves as her primary motivation to make a difference.

In 2006, Bryana’s mother, Melinda Swearingen-Kessler was diagnosed with breast cancer, and together they walked in their first Komen Louisville Race for the Cure®.  Over the next few years, Bryana’s mother continued the fight against breast cancer and they continued to support Susan G. Komen by participating in the Race.  By 2009, Bryana and her mother had created a Team with their extended group of friends, family and many of Melinda’s colleagues.  Tragically, Melinda Swearingen-Kessler passed away just days before the Race in 2009.

Bryana continues to dedicate her time and energy to stomp out breast cancer, not only by participating in the Race, but by making a concerted effort to raise needed funds.  In fact, in 2010 Bryana’s team, Mel’s Treasure Chests was the top fundraiser in the friends and family division by raising an amazing total of $10,958.  Bryana states that the team’s fundraising success is primarily due to the family, friends, and colleagues that continue to support her in memory of her mom.  In addition, she counts on her 16 year old cousin, Alexis Swearingen, to help her design their Team T-shirts, which they then sell as a fundraising tool.  Bryana’s 2011 Team, Mel’s Breast Friends, is still determined to make a difference and has set another excellent fundraising goal of $10,000!

Whether you are participating in memory of or in celebration of a loved one, your Team can be just as successful as Bryana’s.  Remember, 75% of funds raised stay locally to fund local programs, and 25% funds research.  Also, check out the Teams Page to see the new awards structure for 2011.  Maybe YOUR TEAM can be our next Team to Spotlight!