Local Breast Cancer Survivor Celebrating 14th Race for the Cure

Carla Cammack of Fountain Valley walked in her first Race for the Cure in 1997 as a chemotherapy patient. She's had nine of her lymph nodes removed, been through radiation therapy, and, in 2010, had a double mastectomy.

On Sept. 25 of this year, she'll celebrate her 14th year as a breast cancer survivor, and she'll do it after three years as the race's local co-chair, a position she's now passed on to her daughter, Marie.

"I think I had mixed emotions at first," Cammack, 58, said of her daughter's decision to take the reins. "Of course, I am extremely proud of her desire to increase her volunteer efforts to such a high level and very gratified that she would want to follow in my footsteps. At the same however, it is a bit worrisome from the standpoint that race chair is an extremely time-consuming job and Marie has a very demanding career. It is important to me that Marie enjoys her time as race chair and feels like the extra efforts were all worthwhile when it is over."

Race for the Cure has always been a family affair for the Cammacks. her husband, Robert, served as Carla's pledge co-captain during her entire 10-year run as race chair, and her other daughter, Carrie, was involved with Race for the Cure during her time in Sacramento, leading a team and organizing breast cancer awareness events. Carrie has now returned to Southern California and will reunite with her family's team for the race's 20th year.

"For my family, It was important to Robert and I that we set a high standard for our daughters and lead by example when it came to giving back to the community," Carla Cammack said. "Our family has a long history of volunteering with AYSO soccer, PTA, and various Fountain Valley Civic organizations. Both of our daughters were involved with volunteering at very early ages progressing from player database entry to youth coaches and junior referees."

For Cammack, Race for the Cure is more than a fundraising event--although she's very motivated about the Race's $3.1 million goal for this year's event. It's also a form of support group, as well as a chance for her to keep a promise she made last year to a friend who was losing her own battle with stage four breast cancer.

"As a 14-year breast cancer survivor, it was really a no-brainer to get involved with Komen," she said. "I was compelled to give something back, and what better way than through Komen and the Race for the Cure? Every year, I am truly amazed by the growing numbers of breast cancer survivors we honor on race day. It is very rewarding to know that my volunteer work is helping to make a difference in the lives of women right here in Orange County."