Susan G. Komen Orange County Honors Dedicated Breast Cancer Advocates at Annual Survivor Celebration and Awards Luncheon

    COSTA MESA, CA, August 04, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- More than 150 breast cancer warriors united at Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar on Saturday, donning bright pink hats for Susan G. Komen Orange County's annual Survivor Celebration and Awards Luncheon. Themed "Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining," the event commemorated the Affiliate's 25-year mark on the Orange County breast health community and recognized three compassionate breast cancer survivors and advocates for their commitment to the Komen promise of saving lives.

"Komen Orange County looks forward each year to this inspirational day dedicated to highlighting the courage, strength and perseverance of breast cancer survivors in the community," said Lisa Wolter, Executive Director, Komen Orange County. "The vast number of survivors here today illustrates the progress Komen has made over its 25-year history to ensure that early detection and successful treatments continue to save lives."

Two keynote speakers shared powerful stories of their individual journeys coping with cancer and the unfortunate sense of loss that often follows a diagnosis. They included:

• Louise Hyland, a breast cancer survivor, has shared her journey with audiences in more than 25 countries and uses her quick wit and easygoing manner to discuss this tough topic. Hyland's positive attitude and determination have helped many cancer patients during their own cancer journeys.

• Kim Hamer is a co-survivor who lost her husband to cancer when he was just 44 years old. A mother of three young children, Hamer highlights the generosity of friends and family who supported her family during difficult times with unique and simple gestures. Hamer is the author of "100 Acts of Love," a book that helps others who are looking for ways to comfort others going through the loss of a family member.

The 2016 award recipients are as follows:

Kathleen Miller, Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor
Laguna Niguel resident Kathleen Miller was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 after she found a lump in her left breast. One month later, Miller had surgery to remove the small mass followed by 35 weeks of radiation and five years of medication. She is now cancer free and never misses a semi-annual checkup. Miller works part-time at Breast Cancer Solutions in Lake Forest and enjoys giving back to other women recovering from breast cancer. For the past seven years, Miller has participated in the Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure with team "The Miller Time."

Karen Herold, Outstanding Breast Health Advocate Award
Costa Mesa resident Karen Herold, whose grandmothers both battled breast cancer, is a nurse practitioner at Hoag Memorial Hospital where she runs the Hoag Early Risk Assessment Program. The program empowers women to take charge of their health through breast cancer awareness and education. Herold holds nearly 35 years of combined experience in hospital, research, private practice and academic settings. A frequent speaker on breast cancer issues, she has authored articles and educates Orange County women on how to reduce their risk of breast cancer. Herold earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry, and master's and doctoral degrees in nursing. She also is a certified Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner.

Alley Perkins, Most Inspirational Co-Survivor Award
When Huntington Beach resident Alley Perkins was 17 years old, she received a full-ride scholarship to play softball at George Washington University. Unfortunately, around the same time, Perkins' mother, Susan, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Without hesitation, Alley declined her scholarship to stay home and care for her mother, accompanying her to chemotherapy appointments and obtaining a wig for her. Susan calls Alley "the wind beneath her wings." Now 22 years old, Alley recently graduated from California State University, Long Beach and is a softball coach at Santa Ana Junior College.

Luncheon guests, and those who were unable to attend but are interested in supporting the Komen mission, are encouraged to register for Komen Orange County's 25th Annual Race for the Cure on Sept. 25. The signature event will continue the Affiliate's 25th anniversary celebration and raises critical funds for local breast health programs, education and breast cancer research. Register at komenoc.org/race. For an additional $25, registrants also can receive a limited edition 25th anniversary commemorative medal.

About Susan G. Komen

Susan G. Komen is the world's largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $800 million in research and provided more than $1.95 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs serving millions of people in more than 30 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy's life. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/susangkomen and Twitter @SusanGKomen.

About Susan G. Komen Orange County

On average, more than five women in Orange County will be diagnosed with breast cancer each day and one will die from the disease. This is what drives our work in the community - ensuring that we are funding programs that support those in the fight to save lives, educating individuals about breast cancer risk factors, the importance of early detection and the resources that are available to them.

Through events like the Komen Orange County Race for the Cure , Susan G. Komen Orange County has invested more than $36 million in breast health programs to help reach uninsured and underserved women in the community. Our local commitment is 75 percent of the funds raised stay in Orange County for local breast health outreach, education and special initiatives, and two community-based grants programs to engage other local organizations. The remaining 25 percent goes to the Susan G. Komen Research and Grant Training Program. Visit komenoc.org or call 714-957-9157. Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/komenorangecounty, follow us on Twitter @KomenOC and on Instagram @KomenOC.

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