Breast Cancer

Luminarias sparked by breast cancer survivors and family members of people who have died from the disease lined the walkways around the Costa Mesa offices of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation Thursday night. Donors to the foundation, which raises money for breast cancer support services, and people whose lives have been affected by the disease came out for the celebration. Tami Thomson, who was one of the primary organizers of the event, said the lanterns symbolize a variety of things.

The Costa Mesa-based Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation of Orange County gave $1.3 million to local breast cancer support and research organizations at a breakfast Friday. Throughout the year, the foundation puts on events to raise funds — the biggest of which is the Race for the Cure, which took place at Fashion Island in September. Komen gives 75% of the money it raises to organizations within Orange County, and Friday’s breakfast was the culmination of their annual process of reviewing all the applications and deciding who gets the money.

Julia Ward Stonis went to be with her Lord on Nov. 7, 2008 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born in Pensacola, FL on Nov. 2, 1933 but soon became a long time native of Mobile, AL where she was raised in the Baptist faith.   Julia graduated from Auburn University in Alabama in 1952 then went on and graduated from Auburn School of Pharmacy in 1955. After graduation, Julia worked as a pharmacist for 53 years. She met her husband John Stonis in New Orleans, LA when she stole his parking space and they married in 1959.

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, Body Design, the athletic and wellness center in Newport Beach that specializes in women, will hold its first “Relax for the Cure,” fundraiser. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday indulge in 20-minute spa treatments for $20. Pampering and relaxing treatments include mini facials, massages, foot treatments, herbal foot refresher treatments, paraffin hand dips, makeovers, make-up sessions featuring mineral make-up, Lumi-Facial LED facial treatments and other spa-related activities.

Corona del Mar breast cancer survivor Lauren Heller is the top fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure for the third year in a row. The blockbuster run/walk drew more than 30,000 people to Fashion Island on a hazy, overcast Sunday that organizers say is on pace to set a record of more than $3 million donated for cancer support services and research. All the money has not trickled in yet, but Heller’s individual total so far is almost at $50,000.

Volunteers are needed to help manage this year’s Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure in Newport Beach. The event, which raises money and awareness about breast cancer, needs more than 1,800 volunteers. The race, in its 17th year, usually draws about 30,000 participants. Volunteers are needed for many tasks, including monitoring the race, helping runners, directing traffic, setting up booths, loading and unloading trucks, and cleaning up. Volunteers are also needed before the Sept.

When Cindy Thomsen started a golf tournament at the Mesa Verde Country Club in 2003 to raise money for breast cancer research, the event brought in $30,000. Six years later, the event organized by Thomsen raised almost $250,000, beneficiaries announced Thursday. Participants played 18 holes on the Mesa Verde course, pausing to drink wine every couple of holes. There were silent and live auctions, which gave the event its name: Reds, Whites and Greens Charity Golf Classic. Three-fourths of funds raised are given to county hospitals and groups through grants to research and treat breast cancer, as well as educate people about it, according to Tami Thompson, the foundation’s director of development.

  bituary-Dr. Carolyn Kimme-Smith                                                                     August 1, 2008                                                  Dr. Carolyn Kimme Smith passed away July 23, 2008 at the age of 74.   She resided in Newport Beach with her husband of 32 years, Hal W....

You can sign up now for this year’s Orange County Race for the Cure, a fundraiser for breast cancer research. The race, which will be Sept. 28 at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, usually attracts about 30,000 runners. To sign up visit www.komenoc.org and click on the “Race for the Cure” link. The 2008 race fundraising goal is $3 million, with plans for 75% to stay within the county to fund breast health education and breast screening programs. The other 25% would be donated to the national Komen Award and Research Grant Program, which funds breast cancer research.

Cancer killed my cousin “Butch” some 15 years ago. It killed my wife’s father when he was only 42. It killed my friend, mentor and former Daily Pilot reporter Bob Barker. It killed Judy Oetting, the Daily Pilot’s longtime ad manager. This year, it struck again, killing my best friend’s dad. Cancer doesn’t kill every time it strikes. Humans have learned how to fight. My other cousin survived stage III breast cancer and I have a friend out there who is going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment right now and his prognosis is good.