Announcement of Komen "I'm Alive'' campaign. Videos at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiFpAHqc5Fw

1. Contact: Jennifer Jurgens, (616) 752-8262
Saving lives: Komen W. Michigan ramps up “I’m
Alive’’ campaign
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Women - of all races and walks of life - are at
risk for breast cancer. Susan G. Komen West Michigan’s “I’m Alive” campaign
accelerates this month, focusing on stories of breast cancer journeys from local
African American survivors.
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2013 alone, nearly 39,620
women will die from breast cancer: more than 1,300 in Michigan. Early detection
is the key to survival; however, African American Michiganders are more likely to
be diagnosed at a later stage of breast cancer than Caucasian counterparts.
Susan G. Komen West Michigan’s “I’m Alive” campaign shares stories of local
survivors to help motivate fellow Michiganders to stand up to breast cancer and
take action through regular screening and breast self awareness.
The “I’m Alive’’ campaign, which started this summer, accelerates through 2013,
using traditional media as well as videos and social media to highlight local
impact and emphasize the importance of early detection.
Www.AliveWestMichigan.Org showcases courageous stories of local women (as
well as men) and how Komen helped make a difference. It also asks viewers to
take action by donating $5, $10 or $20 dollars, signing up for the “Race for the
Cure” or share their personal breast cancer story.
“When I got that diagnosis my first thought was how and why in the world did this
happen?” said breast cancer survivor Ashlie K. Lowe of Grand Rapids. “Not

2. being a carrier of the gene and no family history, the only answer is that God had
a greater purpose for me in this process.”
Lowe’s cancer journey began at age 24 when she was diagnosed with breast
cancer after noticing a breast abnormality. Although her doctors initially were not
as concerned and were reluctant to perform additional screening, she
successfully advocated for her health and her cancer was diagnosed at stage 2.
Newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients, much like Lowe, can feel isolated,
alone and sometimes lost until they connect with fellow survivors and supportive
organizations like Komen West Michigan. Komen connects people with local
resources: helping patients find assistance, and helping organizations obtain
funding to support education, screening, diagnostics and even genetic testing.
After being supported and encouraged by Komen throughout her cancer journey,
Lowe decided she wanted to work in the community to help educate women,
particularly young and minority women, about the risk of breast cancer and the
need for regular screening and breast self awareness.
Lowe is passionate about breast health and coordinated with fellow African
American survivors to encourage them to share their story through the “I’m Alive”
campaign. These women will share stories of hope, determination, inspiration,
and the importance of knowing your normal and working with your doctor for
regular screenings.
Yolanda Ross is a passionate volunteer and board member for Susan G. Komen
West Michigan. She notes, “These videos drive home the message that breast
cancer can affect anyone and we need to take care of ourselves in order to take
care of our loved ones. Komen helps people find breast cancer early and I’ll
continue to help them until we find a cure!”

3. Komen West Michigan Board President Carol Perschbacher, herself a 12- year
survivor, says, “I’m inspired by the brave women and men that have stepped up
and shared their very personal stories of survival. It’s not easy to re-live a cancer
journey, but we all believe that our stories of survival will help save more lives in
our community.’’
To help many other women in the West Michigan area, Susan G. Komen West
Michigan is hosting the 16
th
Annual “Race For the Cure” (5K and 1 mile
community walk) to help raise money that will go toward community grants
awarded to hospitals and clinics, where both men and women can be educated,
screened, and treated for breast cancer.
The race will be held Saturday, September 28th, at RiverTown Crossings Mall in
Grandville. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. The
entry fee varies in price depending on which walk those participating choose.
“It’s important that all participants know why we ask them to fundraise,” stated
Jennifer Jurgens, Executive Directors of Susan G. Komen West Michigan and
breast cancer survivor. “Seventy-five percent of all proceeds stay in West
Michigan to help local people, while the other 25% go to fund national research
programs. When you ‘Race for the Cure’, you’re saving lives here!”
For more information about the West Michigan “Race for a Cure” visit
www.komenwestmichigan.org.
About Susan G. Komen West Michigan
The West Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is dedicated to combating breast
cancer at every front. Susan G. Komen West Michigan’s net income goes toward funding grants
to local hospitals and community organizations that provide breast health education and breast
cancer screening and treatment programs for medically underserved men and women. Komen
West Michigan service area covers Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo and Ottawa counties.
For more information, call 616.752.8262 or visit www.komenwestmichigan.org