A peek behind the motives of one of our devoted volunteers:

Francesca Durand

Francesca was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 at the age of 33. After completing treatment, she participated in several Komen Race for the Cure Events as a walker and encouraged her friends and family to do the same. In 2007, at age 38, she was diagnosed with a second breast cancer and underwent surgery, reconstruction, and chemotherapy.

She wanted to give something back to the community in honor of all of the help that she received from her family and friends during breast cancer treatments. She contacted Susan G Komen and volunteered at several community awareness events, including the Race for the Cure. At these events, she would speak with those affected by breast cancer, including other survivors and their family members, offering encouragement and stories of comfort. Her goal is to increase awareness of breast cancer in young women. When the opportunity came up to work with the Race committee, she decided that it was a great way to increase her volunteering efforts.