Racing for a cure

Paul Clinton

NEWPORT-MESA-- After she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1983,

Sandy Finestone struggled with her own fears and doubts about whether

she would survive.

This year, Finestone, celebrating her 19th cancer-free year, will

run in Sunday’s Orange County Race for the Cure. The event benefits

the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Since its 1991 inception, the race, which starts and ends at

Fashion Island, has raised more than $7.7 million here.

Finestone, who lives in Costa Mesa, said the event is a good way

for fellow survivors of the disease to bond and celebrate life, as

well as raise money for a worthy cause.

“It raises money for a very good cause,” Finestone said. “The

event itself is an extremely emotional one for survivors.”

The 60-year-old Finestone, who underwent a double mastectomy in

the early 1980s, says the treatment and awareness of breast cancer

has improved markedly since her own diagnosis.

“The one thing that never changes is the fear that grips you,”

Finestone said. “You think you’re going to die. You don’t have to die

of breast cancer now.”

Finestone, who counsels women who have been diagnosed with breast

cancer at Hoag Memorial Hospital, has participated in the event in

all of its 10 previous years.

Sunday’s event, including two 5K runs, a ceremony honoring

breast-cancer survivors and other activities, is expected to raise

$1.5 million for the foundation, spokeswoman Christina Cox said.

The first 5K run, for women only, will kick off at 7:35 a.m.

Sunday in front of the Pacific Life building at Fashion Island. A

co-ed 5K run has been scheduled for 9:35 a.m. More than 1,800 cancer

survivors will be honored during an 8:55 a.m. ceremony.

About 30,000 people are expected to participate in the large-scale

event.

“The county really embraces the event and it shows,” said Kathy

Kinane, the race director.