The “Cerney Circle Cleavage Conservation” races for a cure
Front Row (left to right): Jennie Schaaf, Heather Griffin, Theresa McDowell, Jill Johnson, Linda Day. Back Row (left to right): Sheila Fuselier, Abigail Fuselier, Amy Hogsett, April McCaffrey, Beth England, Julie Lamb, Nicole Wight, Michelle Perovich.
by Carin R. Kirkegaard and photos provided by Linda Day
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. According to the American Cancer Society, a little less than one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and from these women one in thirty-five will die from the disease.
Each year, survivors and supporters raise money and train for the 5K Race for the Cure. Races are held throughout the year all over the United States. Denver’s Race for the Cure is held in October and this past event brought out the Cerney Circle Cleavage Conservation group to raise money for the cause while training with good friends.
“Of the sixteen women on the team, fourteen have been closely affected by breast cancer. We’ve had mothers, fathers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and friends who have been lost to this disease,” said team captain Heather Griffin.
From the onset, the team’s goal was to raise $1,200 for the cure. By the time the race actually happened the Cerney Circle Cleavage Conservation team had pulled in $5,045 in individual fundraising and corporate matches. This, according to Griffin, is roughly the equivalent of 50 mammograms, five rounds of chemotherapy, or genetic testing for one individual.
The group created many lasting memories from training, to racing, to the post race breakfast served by husbands and children. “We did it together, supported each other and had a blast doing it. There is no other group of women I’d rather do this with; we’re blessed to live in such a wonderful neighborhood!” continued Griffin.
Nearly 54,000 participants were at the Pepsi Center on October 4 to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. More than $1 million was raised from the Denver event alone.
To learn more about the Denver Race for the Cure visit www.komendenver.org. 
The Cerney Circle Cleavage Conservation members ranging in age from 15 through over 40. Half of the team walked and half ran the race.
