Breast Cancer awareness: more than an annual 5K

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katherine Holt
  • Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Every three minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S., and every 13 minutes, a life is lost to this disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 232,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 39,620 women will die from it this year. While the numbers are lower for men, officials note there is still a possibility of getting breast cancer. They also highlight that a woman can still contract breast cancer if there is no family history.

As the second leading cause of cancer death in women, the chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 36.

These startling statistics led one Airman to get out and show support for the thousands of women who will be affected by this unforgiving disease.

He was given his first opportunity in last year's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

"I ran because I just wanted to show my support," said Airman 1st Class Michael Bower, 26th Operational Weather Squadron forecaster. "I did what I could to bring awareness to this disease that is affecting so many women."

To take the awareness a step further, Bower and two of his counterparts carried something extra during their run.

"We carried a big rock during the run to symbolize the struggle these women go through," he said. "That rock represented everything these heroes go through during their fight."

Not long after the run, Bower found out some bad news that hit close to home.

"Right after the race last year, I found out my best friend's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer," said Bower. "I was shocked. She is like a second mother to me."

Bower said it was hard being away from the woman who had been in his life for more than 12 years, but he visits with her every time he goes back home.

For Bower, breast cancer awareness is not just about the run. It is about what it stands for.

"I want to show people that I care," he said. "I am grateful for every avenue that gives me the opportunity to support everyone affected by breast cancer, including the friends and families of those affected."

Bower will run the Race for the Cure in Shreveport, La., Nov. 2, for his best friend's mother, Revea Foy.