Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure on Saturday, Jan. 25

The Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure® honors several Warriors in Pink every year.  Warriors in Pink is a program supported nationally by Ford Motor Company recognizing women who live by the credo of taking charge, living out loud, harnessing power and standing together. Warriors take action, raise funds and get involved to support the Race for the Cure on January 25, 2020, and help meet Komen’s Bold Goal to reduce U.S. breast cancer deaths by 50% by 2026.

Meet Karina Alvarez, 42, a 2020 Warrior mom and one-year breast cancer survivor from West Palm Beach.

What makes me a Warrior?

I am determined that breast cancer will not define me, nor will it beat me down. It tried countless times and I got back up, even stronger than before.

Through chemo and seven surgeries, I fought for my life to be here for my twin 12-year-old girls, my 21-year-old son and my mom, who is my rock. Losing was not an option for me. I had an army of family, friends, doctors and nurses supporting me during this one bad chapter in the book called life. I know I am a WARRIOR after beating this dreadful disease. And I’m on to the best part—surviving it!

Now my mission is to raise awareness about early detection because that is what saved me.  This disease can strike anyone, regardless of family history, age, ethnicity, race or gender.  All you have to do is look at the faces of my eight fellow Warriors to see that breast cancer does not discriminate.  We are male and female of all colors, ranging in age from 34 to 71.

DON’T think you won’t get breast cancer because it’s not in your family.  DON’T believe you are too young to get breast cancer.  DO learn about ways to detect breast cancer early for the best chance for survival.  Komen Florida is a wealth of resources, with information about self-exams, mammography and screening procedures.  And for those who learn they have the disease, Komen Florida is their first responders to breast cancer, providing assistance and guidance to navigate through overwhelming days and weeks when a compassionate, knowledgeable advocate is needed most.

I am elated and humbled to be a Warrior in Pink for this amazing cause that has helped women—and men—like me all over the world to fight, find hope and be strong and courageous through the darkest of times.  I hope that my story of seven surgeries to-date inspires others to never give up.  There is a light at the end and it’s shining brightly for them!

Join Karina at the Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Meyer Amphitheatre, 105 Evernia St., in West Palm Beach. Race-day registration is at 5:30 a.m. with runs beginning at 7:30 a.m.; the Survivor Recognition Ceremony at 9:00 a.m. with Warriors leading the walk/Family Fun Run immediately following at 9:30 a.m.; Tots Run at 10:30 a.m. and Kids Run at 10:45 a.m. The Palm Beach Moms Blog team will be in the Kids Zone!  Visit us after the race.

 

Visit komenflorida.org/race to register.