These are the stories of those fighting tirelessly to end breast cancer in East Tennessee. Each welcomes you to join their fight as they race for the cure on Oct. 21 and every day.
Lauren Beasley
“My dad picked me up from cross country practice and we were driving down the street and he just started crying. And, I was like that's odd because my dad never cries. And he said your mom went in for a mammogram today and they think she has breast cancer.”
Lauren Beasley was in high school when she learned her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer. At that point, the only other two women she knew that had been diagnosed had both passed away.
Her response? Run from the problem.
It wasn’t until years later that she changed her mindset. Instead of running away from the diagnosis, she charged at it, head on. After nursing school, she chose to specialize as a breast and cervical nurse. She also became heavily involved with Komen East Tennessee, stepping up to serve on the 2017 race committee.
“Because of Komen, women can get a mammogram if they can't afford it,” Beasley said. “We've put money into research so we can find a cure, so that provides hope. If someone needs assistance for treatment, that's hope. We know that there's hope that we can help you.”
Lauren’s mother continues her battle with breast cancer, but now Lauren’s there by her side, every step of the way.
Lauren welcomes you to join her team as she races for the cure. You can do so here.
Wynne Caffey-Knight
"It's been pretty infused in our life for all of my family.”
For Wynne Caffey-Knight, familiarity with breast cancer started early. In the 1990s, her mother was diagnosed. After two mastectomies, she became a survivor.
But their family's fight wasn't over just yet. Others, including Wynne's sister, aunt and other relatives, were all diagnosed.
In the years that followed, Wynne's mom became very passionate about Komen and helping other women facing the same diagnosis. And like mother, like daughter, Wynne looked for a way to offer her support.
“If I’m in a position to help and can gather people together to spread the word, that's what I want to do,” Caffey-Knight said.
Over the past several years, the Knoxville lawyer has organized a team for the East Tennessee Lawyers Association. This year that team will include members from all over the country in an effort to raise money to help those affected by the disease. Because as Wynne's team t-shirt suggested last year, "A cure for all, is justice for all."
Anne Keenor
"I'm afraid that it's going to come back and with a vengeance. It's very scary to have that nagging feeling int he back of your mind all the time."
Anne Keenor's journey with breast cancer began in the fall of 2016. It was during that time that she started experiencing some unusual symptoms. Then, after a regular mammogram, she was diagnosed.
Anne went through chemo therapy, losing her hair and missing out on the holidays.
Now she's back home in Knoxville, looking forward to her future. She says she hopes for a long time with her husband and her family. She's also ready to motivate others to practice self care, and looks forward to her next celebration. She's ready for the fight.
"It's just something you have to do," Keenor said. "You can't just lay down and give up. You have to keep pushing and you have to keep praying and hoping for the best and that your support system that they are there with you and praying for their strength and to help you with anything that may come."