Susan G. Komen for the Cure Evansville Tri-State – My Story: Amy Lutzel
As part of our Road to the Race series, each week Townsquare Media will bring you the stories of men, women, children and families that have been affected by breast cancer; a devastating disease that strikes the lives of 1 in 8 women every day in the United States. This week we’d like to introduce you to Amy Lutzel, who lost her mother to this horrific disease and became one of its most ardent enemies.
Amy’s breast cancer story began in 1994, when her mother, Brenda, was first diagnosed with the disease. That’s when Amy decided she would do anything she could to fight this monster. She began volunteering and joined breast cancer walks and rallied for research support. Her mother valiantly fought the disease and survived.
But in 2008, the bad news reared its ugly head again. The cancer came back and this time, it was even worse than before. Amy’s mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer that year; the cancer had metastasized to her bones. Brenda fought hard and went through various treatments over a four-year period. In March 2011, Amy’s mother had to have a procedure done on her lungs (related to the cancer), and that is when Amy decided to join the Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure in Washington, D.C. She ran 26.2 miles (a dream come true after years of health problems) and raised over $6,200 to support breast cancer research. She was the top fundraiser nationwide.
Amy’s mother was actually doing quite well with all of her treatments even this past year. Then, in June, the cancer spread to her lungs at a rapid rate. The doctor gave her two months to live and she unexpectedly lost her battle two days later.
Mourning her mother, Amy decided to fight breast cancer as hard as she could.
Today, Amy is one of the strongest fighters in the war to find a cure for breast cancer. She volunteers for the Evansville Tri-State Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and assists with the organization of the Race for the Cure. She has participated in the Race for the Cure every year since 1998. Amy is currently the “Go Pink for the Cure” Chair for the upcoming race and is in charge of contacting businesses, schools, and organizations to get them to “Go Pink” the week leading up to the Race for the Cure. (see below for an entry form so your business or group can “Go Pink for the Cure”)
Amy’s tireless volunteer efforts caught the attention of others in the Susan G. Komen organization and this year she was awarded the 2012 Evansville Tri-State Affiliate Volunteer of the Year Award.
“I know mom is watching. I do this because I don’t want anyone else to see someone they love die from a disease that in some cases can be stopped or prevented, and so money can be raised towards cancer research and finding a cure”, Amy told me in an interview this week. “I’ll never stop fighting this disease. I can’t. This is my calling.” she said.
You can help Amy in her battle against breast cancer by joining them for the 2012 Race for the Cure in Evansville, September 22. If you can’t walk, you can volunteer on the day of the race to help. It doesn’t matter what you do, just get involved – to save a life.
To participate in “Go Pink for the Cure”, click this link for a printable entry form. You can fax in your entry form to 812-962-2204, or scan and email it to lauren@komenevansville.org.
More From WOMI-AM
