Following is a speech that was given at our luncheon this year (2007) by Enid Bond (a breast cancer survivor and yearly participant)

Good afternoon!

I’m Enid Bond! 16 years ago just as my family was starting to get organized to live in San Diego for the summer our world drastically changed when I received the news that I had breast cancer. My children were still in elementary school and I hoped and prayed that I would be able to watch them grow to be young men. I had chemotherapy but not radiation and with the support and encouragement of family, friends, and numerous people in this community I began the road to recovery and my family entered the healing process. My story is similar to many others you probably have heard and yet…. as we all do….I had my own unique set of experiences that, to this day, continue to shape my life.

I began to look for a positive way of affirming that I was strong and alive so I asked Jeurg Feldmann and my husband to help me learn to run. I began walking short distances and slowly began to run. I live just down from the Dragon Lake boat launch and heard that for the first time there was to be a Women’s 5k, 10k and ½ Marathon so I decided to give it a try.

With the encouragement of my family and friends I ran the 10k. That first run for me was a very emotional experience because only a short time before I hadn’t had the strength to walk up the stairs in my home let alone run anywhere. That first year about 40 women left the start line and I’m sure I was the most terrified of them all. Every year this run has become my marker and my affirmation that I’m still here. I have been so disappointed the two times that I have not been able to run in this event.

Originally the mandate of this run wasn’t about breast cancer. It was about providing an event for women. Each year it has gotten bigger and better. I just kept entering and every year I was grateful to be out rubbing shoulders with energetic, strong, positive women.

Now the run has evolved into a huge event and has become the Fall Challenge with a focus on breast cancer. Now proceeds from this run go to assist specific projects at our hospital in our community. It is still my marker. Every year as we run around Dragon Lake-- I am grateful that I am here….once again with such a positive group of people--walkers, runners and volunteers- young and old- who provide one another with encouragement and a powerful sense of community as we all look the cancer “DRAGON” in the face, CHALLENGE it and RUN at it until we see it FALL when a cure is found.

This year, I once again, have run to affirm my life. My thoughts were especially with my 83 year old Mom who this summer heard the news that she has breast cancer. I wish she could feel the amazing positive NRG that exists in this Women’s Fall Challenge.

I am so happy to be here! It gives me courage and hope to see all of you having such a good time!

I’m looking forward to next year! Thank you!