Volunteer for the cure

When Huntington Beach resident Bill Saksa, who lost his sister to

breast cancer seven years ago, read an article about the Susan G.

Komen Race for the Cure and its mission statement it was like

striking gold.

“What a better thing for me to do as to run the race in her

honor,” Saksa said.

When he registered he noticed a lot of women lifting heavy boxes

and they seemed short on help. He asked if there was anything he

could do and they welcomed him.

“That’s how I got started after helping out that night -- helped

right there and then,” he said.

Since that first day Saksa has helped out in many capacities.

“I’ve been a parking captain, water distributor and with the

speakers bureau,” he said, explaining that the speakers bureau

position required him to make a speech. “I started crying during the

speech and decided I wouldn’t do that anymore.”

Saksa has also helped with survivor groups, goodie bag stuffing

among other positions.

“Wherever there was a need I would always try to help out,” he

said.

He explained that 75% of the proceeds from the race stay in Orange

County, another aspect he liked about this cause. The other 25% goes

toward research.

“I’ve known women who need cancer screenings but can’t afford it

and give grant money to community organizations,” Saksa said.

Huntington Beach Community Clinic is one of the recipients.

Saksa’s sister, Joyce, died in her early 40s. She ate well, took

great care of herself and was very athletic, so it was a shock when

she was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, he said. She was into

holistic medicine and after she felt a lump in her breast during a

self-examination, she saw her holistic physician. The doctor told her

she had nothing to worry about. One year later a medical doctor

diagnosed her as terminal.

“That’s where the education is very important. Early detection is

the key. One year later it had spread,” Saksa said.

He urges people to volunteer, race or give donations.

“It is the most worthwhile experience that I have ever been

involved in,” Saksa said. “It’s a great organization and the people

are just outstanding.”

In 1992 the race raised $150,000 and last year it continues to

climb at $1,500,000. The 11th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

will be on Sept. 22, at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. For more

information call (714) 957-9157 or go online to www.occure.com