Patricia Wilson celebrated her 25th year as a breast cancer survivor on October 12. A lunch on her patio was served to the 34 guests who came to share in her happiness. This special celebration started on May 16 in her home state of Michigan where she formed Race Team “Survivor 25” and hosted a luncheon for family and friends. Pat shared that when she was diagnosed in 1990 that cancer was something rarely talked about. Most people didn’t even say the word cancer—it was referred to as the “big C.” She and her husband Michael had their two children to care for. Pat’s prayer was that she would live at least until they graduated from high school. Those children have since become a lawyer/business owner of Taste Love Cupcakes and a Professor at Columbia University.
Instrumental in Pat’s recovery has been her faith, the tremendous support of her loving family and friends, and actively participating in the Komen Race for the Cure. The first race she participated in was almost two years after her diagnosis. At that time, due to fear, she wasn’t sure that she was or would be a survivor. At the urging of her great friend and neighbor she registered for the race. She walked but did not identify herself as a survivor by wearing the pink shirt or cap or bib. Since that time Pat has participated in 57 races in Michigan, Nevada, and Arizona. These include the Avon three-day Breast Cancer and Rocky Mountain two-day walk. In thankfulness and gratitude she proudly wears her pink cap, T-shirt and bib in every race. Her party was held the day after this year’s race in Phoenix. Pat has already registered for the National Komen Race for the Cure in Washington, DC on May 7, 2016. Among the attendees at the party were six friends who are also breast cancer survivors.