Breast cancer affects more than 190,000 women and results in the death of more than 40,000 women each year in the United States. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Thankfully, the death rate of breast cancer patients is now in decline. This decrease is believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment. At this time, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

 As a registered nurse and a breast cancer survivor, Denise Searcy has a unique understanding of the needs of cancer patients.  Mrs. Searcy is serving as co-chair of the Susan G. Komen 2010 Tyler Race for the Cure, alongside Shelley Salvage. Mrs. Searcy is encouraging the community to participate in this year’s event, which will be held on Saturday, May 8, at Bergfeld Park in Tyler. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the 5K Co-ed Run/Walk beginning at 8:00 a.m.

“Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find the cures,” Mrs. Searcy said. “Seventy-five percent of the funds raised through the Race for the Cure will remain in our community to fund local breast health education, breast cancer screening, and treatment programs. The remaining income supports the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Awards and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, education, and scientific programs around the world.”

Mrs. Searcy has also chaired the Komen Race for the Cure’s Children’s Area. She serves as chair of the Owens Elementary PTA Book Fair and has served on the Brook Hill School Auction Committee.

 “Without volunteers, non-profit organizations would not exist. I feel blessed to have a giving heart, and my work with the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure gives me the opportunity to fight this disease so that my sister, mother, and friends may never have to go through what I experienced as a breast cancer patient,” Mrs. Searcy said.

Born in Carson, California, Mrs. Searcy has been a member of the Tyler community for 10 years. She holds her associate’s degree in nursing and is employed by Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics.  Mrs. Searcy and her husband, Gil, are the parents of Ashley Nicole, 13, and Jake Ryan, 11. The family attends Green Acres Baptist Church where Mrs. Searcy volunteers in the youth ministry.

“I love the small-town atmosphere and the big heart of the Tyler community,” Mrs. Searcy said. “If you’re interested in volunteering, there are so many opportunities here.”