13-year breast cancer thriver celebrates birthday at Pink Run

Thirteen-year breast cancer thriver Marlene Dawson marked a personal milestone at Jamaica Reach to Recovery’s 5K Pink Run on Sunday, not just as a participant, but as someone celebrating her 56th birthday amidst a cause close to her heart. Dawson, who has been part of Jamaica Reach to Recovery since 2011, attended the event at Emancipation Park to signify that she is “alive and well” despite the challenges she faces as a thriver, and also as a caregiver for her mother, a 15-year breast cancer thriver. Her mother, who could not attend, is doing well.

“I wanted to lie in bed,” Dawson, who was diagnosed at age 43 told Lifestyle, adding, “But then I said, no, man, I have to come out… it’s the first time it’s ever been on my birthday. [It] must be for a reason.”

Balancing her own recovery with caring for her mother is demanding. She manages work alongside clinic visits, checkups, and blood tests, which can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. “Sometimes, even the blood tests, I get upset because they keep taking so much blood each time,” she admitted. “It’s not easy, mentally. Physically, I have pains now and then, but not bad, like some other [thrivers]. Financially, it’s not easy, because there’s a lot of medication, like for my mom. She has other ailments apart from breast cancer.”

Dawson also stressed the importance of support systems for breast cancer thrivers and caregivers, pointing to the strength, encouragement, and guidance these networks provide when navigating treatment and recovery.

“We really need support for those who are going through sickness. We need good, positive caregivers. The caregiver needs someone, too, to take care of them,” she added.

Her resilience extends beyond her diagnosis and caregiving responsibilities. Dawson shared, “For me, I’ve been in a failed relationship, marriage. But I’m telling myself that I am ending that one and moving on. Because I also need someone to care for me, too.”

Surrounded by participants who came out to support the cause, she found a moment of encouragement and gratitude in the sea of pink. “It’s good to see that people really come out to represent us,” she said.

The annual 5K, which marked its silver anniversary, was originally slated for October 26 but was postponed due to Hurricane Melissa. The state of the island has been strained by recovery efforts since the Category 5 hurricane made landfall on October 28.

Sandra Samuels, president of Jamaica Reach to Recovery, told The Gleaner that pushing through with the execution of the event was critical, not just for fundraising, but for morale.

“We have to lift the spirits of our people because mental health is real. Stress is real. Fear is real. And depression is real. We have to keep life as normal as we can,” Samuels said.

To help lift that spirit, singer and songwriter Alaine performed a selection of her hits, including Bye Bye Bye, Boast Inna God, and Born to Win, engaging the crowd post race.

First-time participants also made their mark. Cecile Heinrich, originally from France and running with the Pink Apron team, took first place in the women’s 5K.

“I’m wearing black today in memory of all those who [have] died [because of breast cancer],” she said. Recognising the national challenges following Hurricane Melissa, Heinrich added, “I’ve been amazed by the support you guys have been giving to your Western communities.”

For the men division, Jamaica College’s Evans Tetteh secured the top spot.

“We are celebrating life. We are celebrating resilience. We are celebrating hope. We are celebrating family [and] support,” added Samuels.

The event drew 16,000 participants and raised over $28 million, surpassing the initial $25 million target, in support of breast cancer survivors across the island.

These funds will support breast cancer thrivers who cannot otherwise afford assistance and provide aid to those affected by Hurricane Melissa.

Marking its 25th anniversary, this year’s Pink Run raised $28 million, surpassing its $25 million fundraising target. Nearly 16,000 Jamaicans registered to run, walk, and roll in support of breast cancer survivors across the island.

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com