Family support makes Komen Columbus a memorable event
Fifteen family members participated in the Komen Columbus Race for the Cure on May 15, in support of Carol Miller of Strasburg who was diagnosed December 2009 with breast cancer. Miller, who is with the Strasburg school district, has been unable to work since February because of surgery and chemo treatments.“I miss the kids so much,” said Miller. “I’ve worked in the cafeteria and drove bus for the past 15 years.”
A friend from Columbus, who has been a constant encouragement and is a cancer survivor herself, told Miller about the race.
“She told me that if I was having a rough time,” said Miller, “that the Komen Columbus Race for the Cure would help get me through.”
It was her first time participating, and 15 family members headed to Columbus as well. “It was so nice that my family supported me that way,” said Miller. “I really wanted to participate in the walk and be a part of helping with the cure.”
It was the 18th year for the Komen Columbus Race for the Cure. A record 50,286 participants met near the front of the State House. The Columbus Race ranks third among the largest affiliates of the national Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Chris Spielman, NFL and Ohio State football great, was the featured speaker at the Komen Columbus Race. Spielman’s wife, Stefanie, succumbed to cancer in November 2009 at age 42.
People in pink survivor shirts and white participant shirts could be seen by the thousands as more than 950 teams took to the streets of downtown Columbus, raising $2.5 million in support of breast cancer screening, treatment, and research.
“My great nephew, Jeffrey Wengerd, participated in the 5k run,” said Miller. “Two family members did the three-mile walk, and then we all joined in for the family one-mile walk.”
Miller’s sister, Mary Kohler, marveled at the support of the day. “I was very touched by the rows and rows of motorcycles lining each side of the street. The people on the motorcycles were high-fiving those walking and showing everyone that they supported them.”
Since her sister’s diagnosis, Kohler, who is the owner of Dayspring Christian Bookstore in New Philadelphia, has included an extensive line of hats in the store for chemo patients or those with other hair loss situations.
“We had been looking for places to find hats for Carol,” said Kohler, “and had difficulty finding anything nearby, so I started a whole line at Dayspring called Hats with Hearts. We also have books, pins, music, and other things to encourage those who are afflicted with cancer.”
Miller, whose husband, Wyman, passed away 10 years ago, is thankful for the support from her three children and three grandsons, extended family, and friends.
“The type of cancer I have,” said Miller, “is an aggressive cancer. I plan to complete my chemo treatments and continue on in life. My faith in God and family support is getting me through this.”
For information on helping Carol Miller, contact Mary Kohler, Dayspring Christian Bookstore, at 330-343-4881.