Susan G. Komen - San Antonio Woman March/April 2018

H-E-B is proud to serve as the Local Title Sponsor for the Susan G. Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure for the past 16 years.

We are passionate about supporting Komen San Antonio in their fight against breast cancer, because we know that the battle is something that impacts so many of our H-E-B Partners and customers, H-E-B is committed to finding an end to cancer through our partnerships with organizations like Susan G. Komen San Antonio.

Team H-E-B

Dear Friends: As honorary chair of the 21st Annual Susan G. Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure, I invite you to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer by supporting this important event as a participant or a donor.

All of us have some connection to this terrible disease — as a survivor, friend or family member of a survivor, or to remember someone who lost the fight to breast cancer. On May 5, 2018, thousands of us will come together at the Alamodome to have fun, raise money, and show our support for this cause.

In the pages that follow, you can read about how your contribution will benefit those affected by breast cancer right here in San Antonio. Please register or donate by going to komensanantonio.org.

We’ve made considerable progress in this battle.

Help us get to the finish line and find a cure.

Adel Hernández 2018 Honorary Race Chair 10 Year Breast Cancer Survivor

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Komen San Antonio created the Community Profile to become more responsive to breast cancer healthcare gaps and ensure that everyone has the opportunity receive the breast cancer care and services they need. *Service map at right shows Susan G. Komen San Antonio Priority Areas. For the published Community Profile report, please visit komensanantonio.org.

In 2018,

Susan G. Komen San Antonio was started in 1997 by a group of local survivors. Since then, we have invested $19.1 million in the metropolitan area for our neighbors, friends, and loved ones who have no other options for breast cancer care.

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Desaree LaMacchia In 2009, at 48 years young my mother, Cindee, was diagnosed with Stage II invasive breast cancer. Before my mother’s diagnoses, no one close to me affected by cancer. We never suspected that my mother would be affected because we didn’t know our family history. I was poorly educated on cancer and how it will change your life…forever. I was certain my mom was going to BEAT IT. I watched my mother fight her toughest battle with complete grit and fight.

She lost both her breasts and all her hair.

She was losing herself as a beautiful woman to this ugly disease. It wasn’t an easy road, but she did it.

In January 2016, she ended up in the hospital. Unfortunately, they found cancer lesions on her brain.

This last diagnosis was special to me, since I was pregnant with my first child and her first grandbaby.

We spent every day together. She rubbed my belly daily and said my son was “her baby.” She started treatment before my son’s birth. On the day of my delivery she wanted to cancel, I told her, “No mama, I need you…plus I may be in labor awhile so we have time.” We both laughed. She was there helping me and my hubby during delivery. I knew she was tired, but she never let on. She always told me to finish strong. I am so grateful our son came when he did. A daily reason for her to fight.

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

We spent the month in the hospital with my newborn. She was able to hold “her baby”, play with his toes and talk about things they were going to do. During this time, we made promises to each other. She wanted to help cancer patients finish strong. On April 30, 2016 she passed away.

Death is a lonely place at any age, especially when a life is cut too short. A co-worker who lost her mother to breast cancer told me, “It doesn’t ever get easy, but you just kind of thaw out.” As you thaw you get perspective, you regain your hope, love, and will to live. God blessed me with my amazing family and friends who support us. They helped me get out of a hole of grief. We weren’t going to settle for anything other than God’s best and finishing our race strong.

We became involved with Komen San Antonio after my mom’s first diagnosis in 2011. In 2017, we created the team Finish Strong for Cindee. I did this to fulfill those promises to my mother, to pick myself up, and get back to being me. Today, team Finish Strong for Cindee is active in Komen’s Race for the Cure. And I am honored to be on the local Komen board.

To those affected by cancer, don’t give up…you got this. It is 90% a mental challenge and 10% physical. Keep your mind, heart and soul right. Daily feed it God’s Word and be surrounded by those who encourage you. God has you and He is fighting with you, so FINISH STRONG and know you are not alone. To the family and friends affected, stay strong because you must be your loved one’s advocate. It’s a journey and your loved one is looking to you for a spark that helps get them through the toughest battle they could ever fight. And remember you got us too, you have a Komen family that you can reach out to.

My prayer is to cure cancer and while we are doing that we must stay the course and FINISH STRONG.

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Ask the Doctor Orlando J. Suris, MD What is Coenzyme Q10?

Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) is a cofactor that is needed for many highly metabolic reactions and found in every cell of the body. It functions as an antioxidant, as well as producing energy for cell growth and maintenance.

What does COQ10 protect?

Among other benefits, studies show that COQ10 protects lung function, brain function, preserves metabolic function and even reduces one’s risk of developing cancer by protecting the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.

What’s the link between low levels of COQ10 and poor health?

The body’s depletion of COQ10 is tied to elevated risks of breast cancer and other cancers, Alzheimer’s, dementia, disease and heart attacks. Oftentimes, statins prescribed for high cholesterol levels may deplete COQ10 naturally, which can be very dangerous.

How could a statin prescribed for high cholesterol negatively affect COQ10 levels?

Elevated cholesterol levels lead a physician to prescribe a statin, which depletes levels of COQ10 and leads to a patient’s increased risk for cancer, heart and brain diseases. I believe avoiding some of these medical pitfalls may be as simple as practicing proactive, not reactive medicine.

How do patients test their COQ10?

It is not always necessary to test – oftentimes, it’s easier to supplement without the need for testing. However, a very simple, in-office blood draw can provide an accurate reading of a patient’s COQ10 levels.

From there, I try to provide the most effective treatment with the fewest components possible. Ultimately, we aim to correctly treat one health condition and avoid creating another.

It’s important to note that absorption is key when it comes to the correct COQ10 supplement. Over-the-counter COQ10 may not have the right components for proper absorption, so make sure you talk to your doctor about taking the most potent form of the supplement.

Orlando J. Suris, M.D., is an obstetrician-gynecologist with the Institute for Women’s Health, San Antonio.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.ifwh.org or call 210.656.3040.

SurvivorStory

Laura Carver I was 45 years old when I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Stage 1B on September 24, 2014.

After years of routine mammograms and ultrasounds, I had a 3D mammogram and cancer was detected.

I remember the day as if it was yesterday. I kept reading the pathology report over and over again… stunned, numb, and every emotion flowing through my body.

With no breast cancer in my family, I thought, how could this be?!

Fortunately, my best friend is a doctor and I was able to turn to her for help. With my husband by my side, my hero, we all met with surgeons and knew we had this beat!

We put our warrior hats on! My family, my friends, and my faith gave me the courage to fight through my dark days.

Having 85% dense tissue, aggressive surgery was recommended for me. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction on November 3, 2014. I endured several sleepless nights that consisted of 4 drainage tubes and weeks of going in to get my expanders filled. Brutal! The pain in my chest and the spasms in my arms would bring tears to my eyes.

I had my second surgery on March 5, 2015 and my last surgery on October 19, 2016. I fought through infections after my last surgery. I was so happy and felt my prayers had been answered! My treatment plan did not require any radiation or chemotherapy.

I started a Komen Race for the Cure team called “Perky Patrol” to raise breast cancer awareness. Being so fortunate in my journey, I wanted to help women and men in my community that needed it most. I support Komen San Antonio because they not only help women in our community receive funding for breast cancer services like biopsies and treatment assistance, but also invest in research so that our sisters, nieces, and families will not have to face this horrible disease alone. That is OUR MISSION. I would like to encourage people dealing with breast cancer to keep fighting. Let your spirit and faith guide you. Never lose confidence.

Always stay positive because together we can end breast cancer! Together, we are MORE THAN PINK!

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Dezare Cedillo Besides being a wife and mother of three young boys—I am also a 2x breast cancer survivor. During my first battle people often told me that I made it look too easy— calling me superwoman, a hero, and things like that.

However, that title was not achieved by my own strength alone. I was only able to fight that battle because of what I did on a daily basis to not only “find” that joy, but also keep it. The days and seasons I didn’t apply this were my most difficult times. So what I aim to share with you is not only to bring awareness about breast cancer, but to also bring awareness to my ultimate source of strength and joy that can be applied to any season you may face. When a two-time breast cancer survivor has something to share with you on how and what gets them through the storm— you listen and take notes. So get ready!

Finding JOY in the JOurneY

SurvivorStory

People often ask me, “Dez, where does your strength come from?!” I love when people ask me that question. I simply say to them...

“Jesus! Jesus is THE answer!” Now don’t get me wrong, God sends us so many valuable REsources such as brilliant doctors, supportive family, friends, and organizations that truly care, but these are not the Ultimate Source. By human nature we tend to get caught up in putting our full faith and priority in the REsources which are the helpers God brings us, but these have limitations.

Only God can go to the deepest root of your pain and bring you the restoration, healing, strength—and yes—joy, as you endure the race toward Victory!

Being told you have breast cancer in your twenties and again in your thirties are the two best worst things that ever happened to me. Although shocking and difficult at times, they actually helped skyrocket me into the person I am today. I’ve learned to see the world through the eyes of gratitude because every day really is a gift.

I’ve learned to let go of the things that don’t really matter and focus on the things in life that do. It also pushed me to conquer my fears and seek God’s will for my life. It’s given me the opportunity and voice to not only share breast cancer advice such as doing your monthly self-breast exams, being your own advocate if you feel something’s off with your body, to the importance of nutrition and fitness, but most importantly it’s given me the platform to share what life is like with God in the driver seat.

There is no problem God can’t work out in your life! He can turn your negative situation into a positive one by taking your hot mess and turning it into a hot message! Know that there is purpose in your pain and not one drop will go unused when you delight yourself in Him. When you put your full faith in His promises, seek Him intentionally on a daily basis, and go where He’s guiding you... you will experience a renewed perspective and surely find JOY in the JOurneY — that no circumstance or diagnosis can take from you.

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