Fighting for a breast cancer cure

B.W. COOK

Breast cancer has changed and, sadly, taken the lives of countless

women and some men in this community.

Despite amazing medical advances, breast cancer continues to levy

a drastic toll. Leading the fight for detection and cure is the Susan

G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, a national organization with a

strong and dedicated Orange County roster of affiliates.

Last week, some 300 breast cancer survivors joined forces with

community activists and supporters to attend an annual symposium at

the Irvine Marriott Hotel.

The collaboration united three organizations dedicated to finding

a cure for breast cancer, drawing on significant Newport-Mesa

support. High Priority, the Breast Cancer Information Network and the

Orange County Affiliates of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer

Foundation presented a united front, including speakers and

discussion groups enabling participants to learn about and to explore

the latest information relating to breast cancer.

A major part of the program was the Wanda J. Cobb Symposium that

launched the event, featuring keynote speakers Charlie and Carol

Plumley. The couple shared their unified seven-year struggle with

breast cancer. Others participating in the speakers’ lineup were male

breast cancer survivor Jason Kensey, physician Edward Nelson, Food

and Drug Administration expert Rosario Quintanilla and physician

James Weisman with the Memorial Care Breast Cancer Center at Orange

Coast.

Darrellyn Melilli, past president of High Priority, chaired the

weekend symposium for the sixth year. Handling the luncheon duties in

honor of the Komen Foundation was Marie Blash.

In a positive twist, a fashion show was presented this year

featuring breast cancer survivors. Fashions by the boutique Coldwater

Creek were modeled by Sandy Firestone, Lisa Dittmer, Ginny Espenship,

Heather Gilbert, Opal Kissinger, Cindy Thomsen, Janie McMillon and

Carla Cammack. Also honored at the event was Carolina Montez, named

2004 Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor in Orange County.

The annual Komen Race for the Cure, a major community walk-run to

fight breast cancer, will take place for the 13th year on Sept. 26 at

Fashion Island, Newport Beach. Local activists supporting the effort

include Sandahl Ball, Starla Ball, Barbara Anabo, Lori Ashi, Jennifer

Anderson, Margie Gephart, Maggie Pahlman, Nandini Velayudhan and

Charlotte Young.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.