This is a story of two sisters.

Suzy was a bright energetic fun-loving gal living in Peroria, Illinois. She was loved by all. Growing up she was the high school homecoming queen and the college beauty queen. Her younger sister Nan always looked up to her – well down actually. Nan, although younger was a head taller than her older sister.

These two women were closer than most siblings. Regardless of where they were in the world, they talked on the phone every afternoon sharing the highs and lows of their lives and loves.

One day Suzy shares some very scary news. She had found a lump in her breast but not to worry their family doctor would take care of it. Breast cancer was diagnosed and a surgeon was brought in who reported he could “cure her.” Cure is a word most cancer specialists are reluctant to use so hearing this both scared – and yet gave hope – to Suzy, Nan and the rest of the family.

Long story short, she wasn’t “cured” and even after more aggressive treatment, Suzy died after a 3 year battle with breast cancer.

While she was going through her treatment, Suzy stayed positive and focused on goals bigger than herself. “Nan,” she said, “as soon as I get better, let’s do something about this. You can find a way to speed up the research. I know you can. And I want to fix up this waiting room and make it pretty for the women who have to be here.”

Nan wondered, “Could one person make a difference?”

This was over 25 years ago. Nancy is Nancy Brinker and her sister Suzy is Susan G. Komen.

What started out as a pledge to a sister has become an international cause. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives. Nancy Brinker says “We are so close to creating a world without breast cancer. The science is there. Now is the time for us to see this fight through so that no one ever has to fear breast cancer again.”

I read Nancy and Suzy’s stories and I know – it is time for me to do something more. Want to join me?

International Therapist Leadership Institute will donate 5% of all Practice Building Virtual Conference proceeds received between 9/1 and 9/21 to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure – to support breast cancer research. Your conference ticket will not only allow you to get amazing practice building strategies, you will also be making a difference by supporting breast cancer research.

Your contribution will be donated as I participate in my local Race for the Cure Event on September 27, 2009. Thousands of survivors, supporters, friends and families will be walking, jogging or running a 5K (3.1 miles) in honor of the women they love who have survived and been lost to breast cancer.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. I am sure you have a story of a loved one hearing that diagnosis. Perhaps it is your dear friend, or a mother, or a wife. Or maybe it was you. Please send me your loved ones’ names or place them on the blog and I will remember them as I Race (well, maybe walk/jog) for the Cure on September 27, 2009.

Until next time,

Casey