Many years ago, when I was a child, my godmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I didn't really have any idea what that meant or how many people were affected by the disease. We did not live in the same area so I also did not see her go through treatment.       Fast forward to 2001, my beloved mom is diagnosed with stage 3 (there are only 4 stages) of breast cancer. This totally threw me for a loop. How could that be? Why my Mom? I watched as my mom endured chemotherapy, surgery, more chemotherapy and then radiation. It was like I was living someone else's life. It was so hard to watch her go through that. I think I lived in denial for much of that time. A few years later my Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer.       Before 2001, like many other people breast cancer was symbolized by a pink ribbon. But after that dreadful day, the symbol for breast cancer for me was my Mom. I am ecstatic to say that my Mom, Godmother and Aunt are all survivors and are doing very well. The year is 2005, I have my own scare, but luckily it is not cancer. 2007, my dear friend who is my age is

diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and has to have a double mastectomy; my son's friend's mother is diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. This disease is just all around me.       I learned so much from my Mom during her treatment. She took on breast cancer like it was her enemy. She fought for her life and refused to allow breast cancer to kill her. She went to work everyday, traveled and went about life as usual. She was determined to live.       That determination and fight caused me to no longer be a bystander wearing my pink ribbon in October, but become an active advocate for women like my Mom. I don't have a medical education, but I am an excellent advocate and I can plan events like no other. So I decided to start The Pink Ribbon Runway and use my talents to plan events to raise awareness and funds for finding a cure for breast cancer.       The Pink Ribbon Runway is my way of doing my part to find a cure for this dreadful disease. I do not want anyone else to endure what I, my sister, dad, and other family members had to go through. Kelly Charles-Collins Daughter, Goddaughter, Niece, Friend of Survivors