After running five kilometers on a sunny Saturday afternoon at Camp Film City, Kosovo, Air Force Master Sgt. Dawn Grandchamp, a service desk technician, smiled for a race that started more than a year ago.
After participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Grandchamp made a pact in Detroit, Mich., with family and friends one year ago, that they would all run the race this year. Distance and time haven’t stopped her from keeping that commitment.
“My family and I made a promise last year that we would continue to do the race each year,” said Grandchamp. “Unfortunately, due to my military commitment, I deployed to Kosovo, but figured what better way to be there in spirit with my family than by doing a race here.”
Three women have inspired Grandchamp to make a difference and become involved with Race for the Cure.
“My grandmother passed away a few years ago from breast cancer, and both my mother, Eleanor, diagnosed in October 2009, and Aunt Michele, diagnosed a few months later, are survivors,” said Grandchamp. “We do it for them.”
“They are both so proud, which makes me proud! My mom cried when I sent her the email, and called her about it,” Grandchamp said about her mother’s and aunt’s response about her effort to organizing the race. “It really makes me feel like this is the right thing to do.”
Grandchamp has been working since November to hold a Race for the Cure event at Film City.
“This has been the most challenging part, getting the proper approvals to make sure that this race is a go,” said Grandchamp.
Grandchamp is quick to point out the support she has received.
“My chain of command has been amazing with the support and even others outside of my chain of command have been nothing short of great,” said Grandchamp.
“Grandchamp has made a tremendous impact on the KFOR mission and the service members here at Film City, so when she presented me with this idea, it was not something out of the ordinary for her and something we wanted to support,” said Lt. Col. Ronald Burkett, Grandchamp’s supervising officer.
Even though the event was not military specific, Burkett explained how it relates to the military values.
“Selfless Service in one of the military values and this event has been all about that. Cancer has impacted the lives of so many people and this Race is a way for participants to not only recognize the tragedy involved but to become a part of something bigger than themselves by helping to increase the public’s awareness and demonstrating their support.”
Assistance and encouragement have also come from those in Detroit.
“Komen Detroit has been working with me via email to make sure that I have everything I need for this race,” said Grandchamp. “They have sent T-shirts, key chains and bandanas for us to hand out to participants.”
Carrie Mead, Deb Pank and Maureen Meldrum have been helping Grandchamp establish the first race in Kosovo.
Like Grandchamp, all three women have either witnessed a family member or a dear friend struggle with breast cancer, or personally fought it.
“My involvement began with my own breast cancer 20 years ago,” said Meldrum, the Director of Breast Cancer Specials Programs and Chair of the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure.
“I received the initial request for support from Dawn and turned to Meade and Pank to help in assisting with the effort,” said Meldrum.
“Knowing that Dawn was stationed overseas and could not participate in this year's race, I wanted to help her be successful in honoring the memory of her grandmother and also honor her mother and her aunt as survivors. We also thought her family in Detroit could be recognized during the closing ceremony of the Detroit Race so we would all be 'linked' together on today,” said Pank. “Knowing that we were helping Dawn feel closer to home and her family on this special day is a great feeling.”
Mead was excited to both support the awareness of breast cancer and support military members.
“I hope Race for the Cure in Kosovo brings a greater understanding that globally we are all in the fight against breast cancer,” said Mead. “I hope it shows military members that they are still connected with home and that we are grateful to the military members who serve our nation and make it possible for us to live in a safe, secure country that allows us to focus our efforts on improving our quality of life.”
Many of those participating in the race had also been affected by breast cancer.
“I’m here to support my aunt, who is a breast cancer survivor and to raise awareness, in the hopes that we can one day find a cure,” said Spc. James Ott, a member of the National Support Element.
For Austrian army Lance Cpl. Tatjana Haupt, it was a chance to learn and help.
“Running is a fun way to gain knowledge of and raise awareness for breast cancer. It’s also a fun way for people to show their support and offer help,” said Haupt.
Grandchamp expressed her gratitude as service members and civilians mingled together after the race.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better turn out. We had about 60 people and representation from 13 nations,” said Grandchamp. “I hope that somebody in Kosovo will hold the race next year and that it continues to grow.”
To those who are currently battling breast cancer Grandchamp says, “Cry a little, get it out of your system, and then get angry!”
Grandchamp had a great time coordinating and putting together the first Race for the Cure in Kosovo, and she said she is looking forward to being with her family next year for the race.
For those who have never participated in the Race for the Cure, Grandchamp would encourage people to come forward and support it.
People can always do more to help those that are fighting this disease or those that are trying to find a cure, Grandchamp said.
Back in Detroit, Mead shares those same sentiments.
“There is a community created, a camaraderie made, when people unite to help out for a greater good,” said Meade. “Race for the Cure offers a chance to be part of the end of breast cancer. Just think of the day when are jumping for joy because we did eliminate breast cancer forever.”
