Komen wants award nominees

The Orange County affiliate of Susan G. Komen is asking members of the public to submit nominations for three award categories: the Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor, Outstanding Breast Health Advocate and the Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-survivor — that is, a person who has helped a breast cancer patient survive.

The awards honor those who walked the walk and fought the fight to survive breast cancer, advocate for a cure and inspire others to stay strong.

“At Komen, we really value the importance of co-survivorship and the role of co-survivors in the care and treatment of survivors through their breast cancer journey,” said Erin Touslee, director of mission programs at Komen’s Orange County chapter.

The Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-Survivor award will be introduced by the county affiliate for the first time this year.

The award is given by the national organization, but this year, the local affiliate decided to follow the national organization’s example, Touslee said.

“We keep the definition very broad,” she said. “We feel that there are many that play a role in supporting breast cancer survivors’ journey through treatment and survivorship.”

The awards are scheduled to be presented March 5 at the Komen chapter in Orange County, 3191 Airport Loop Drive, Costa Mesa, during a celebration called the MasCUREade.

Though the celebration is held every year to celebrate survivors, educate and empower them, this year the local affiliate is going with a new name and theme.

The MasCUREade is chaired by a breast cancer survivor, and co-chaired by her sister, who is her co-survivor.

Rebecca Hultquist, a wife and a mother of three daughters, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 33.

Now she credits her husband and daughters for helping her survive. But her sister, Laura Melendez, is her No. 1 co-survivor.

She’s the one who “supported me throughout my treatment in ways only a sister could, and in ways only a co-survivor could, and for that I am truly thankful,” wrote Hultquist in a letter posted on the affiliate’s website.

Hultquist decided to chair the MasCUREade to inspire others and celebrate their journey.

On Wednesday, Hultquist wasn’t available for an interview as she was by the side of her mother-in-law, who is hospitalized because of breast cancer.

Nominations for the three awards are due Friday.

To nominate a person, visit www.komenoc.org to download a nomination form. Or submit nominations to Cindy Brennman at cbrenneman@komenoc.org, or fax them to (714) 957-9155. For more information, call (714) 957-9157.