A race to remember

Mike Sciacca

To walk in the shoes of Melinda Lipinski is to walk the way of hope,

faith and humor.

Sunday at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, the Huntington Beach

resident laced up her brand new New Balance athletic shoes, the ones

bearing a pink ribbon icon on the tongue, and joined an estimated

22,000 walkers and runners at the 13th annual Komen Orange County

Race for the Cure.

Lipinski, who was diagnosed last year with breast cancer, was

surrounded by a her “team,” which numbered 40 and included family and

friends who wore hats with her photo and the logo, “Friends for

Melinda, Race for the Cure 2004.”

Lipinski and her team participated in the coed 5K race.

“It is so hard to put into words what the day was about, but it

was an awesome experience,” said Lipinski, who turned 47 Tuesday.

“The most incredible site was looking down Newport Center Drive and

seeing a sea of pink. It was really moving. It really makes you feel

that you’re not alone in fighting this disease.”

Cancer survivors wore pink T-shirts and caps and were celebrated

in a mid-morning tribute, which included the release of 100 white

doves and pink roses.

The event, benefiting breast cancer research, is expected to raise

$1.5 million. In its first 12 years, the event had raised more than

$10 million.

Lipinski was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2003 and

under went a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. She was in

remission but the cancer returned in July and metastasized to her

liver. She was in stage 4, the most advanced stage, she said.

“I’m just totally amazed by her, her great attitude and

determination to fight this,” said Lipinski’s daughter, Mallory

Smith, 16, a junior at Huntington Beach High, who participated in

Sunday’s race. “I’m so proud of her and I have no doubt she will come

through this all right.”

Lipinski, who today finishes her latest round of chemotherapy,

credits her “support system” and her attitude, with her ability to

endure the past 20 months.

“I’ve always had a strong sense of humor and that, along with my

attitude and faith in God, has gotten me through this journey,” she

said. “My personal belief is ‘mind over matter.’

“I feel so very, very blessed, too, to have such a great support

group in my family and friends, and in the support group at Hoag

Cancer Center. Everyone has been absolutely phenomenal with the love

and support they’ve given me.”

Lipinski’s husband, Ken, and son, Wesley Smith, 20, also took part

in Sunday’s race.

“The fact that she still fights it and doesn’t give up is what

most impresses me about her,” Wesley Smith said. “If you give up in

mind, you’ve lost the battle. She hasn’t done that. She won’t do

that. She’s a true fighter.”

Lipinski has been proactive in her fight against the disease. The

former party planner has her own home Web business and has designed

her own medical alert bracelets made up of two serpents, red rubies

and 14-karat white gold.

She’s also working on a “tip book” for survivors, with all tips in

the book coming from cancer survivors.

She plans to title the book, “I’m Not a Doctor, I’m A Survivor.”

In addition, she serves as a mentor at the Hoag Cancer Center.

A portion of proceeds from the bracelet sales will go to the Susan

G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and proceeds from her tip book will

benefit the Hoag Cancer Center in Newport Beach.

“The peace I get through this is the peace I have knowing family,

good doctors and nurses, friends and friends in the support groups

are helping me get through this day by day,” she said, noting that

Friday begins Cancer Awareness Month during October. “They are always

there for me.”