Racing for support

YOUNGSTOWN -- Undoubtedly, the most daunting and frightening aspect of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis for Terri McCollum could be found in what she didn't experience.

"I get a mammogram yearly, and it showed no signs. It didn't show until it was pretty large," McCollum, of Transfer, Pa., said.

McCollum, a spinning instructor who works part-time at The Buhl Club in Sharon, Pa., was referring to a 4-centimeter tumor that was found, even though she had been in perfect health and is someone who neither smokes nor drinks. Despite her high level of self-care, she still was diagnosed in April with an invasive lobular carcinoma, the likes of which typically start in the milk-producing glands and, rather than forming tight clumps or developing into a distinct lump, usually grow in single-file fashion or in scattered sheets. That makes this type of cancer difficult to detect on standard mammograms.

She recently finished her 15th radiation treatment, McCollum said, adding that she also receives yearly mammograms.

Exceeding that figure, however, was the estimated 20 family members, friends and other supporters who made up Team Terri, one of many groups that took part in the 17th annual Panerathon 10K run or 2-mile walk and run Sunday morning that began at the Covelli Centre, downtown.

Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

The thrust behind the popular event was to improve access to services the center provides, as well as to tackle disparities in breast cancer outcomes in the Mahoning Valley, organizers said.

Close to 10,000 people of all ages took part in the gathering, which brought in nearly $700,000, Carson Ryan, race director, noted.

Panerathon has raised more than $6 million since its inception, Ryan said.

McCollum, who received treatments at the Cleveland Clinic, said she felt well and was grateful for the support those on her team and others have offered. She added that her group, which also consisted of some of her cycling members, opted to take part in the 2-mile run.

Sunday's family-friendly event featured 233 teams, including Youngstown State University athletic teams, the Trumbull County Educational Service Center, Team Brenda, Doing Our Best-ish, Axio Fitness, Greenwood Chevrolet, Team Myrna, Gillmore Security, The Vindicator/Tribune Chronicle and Aim Transportation Solutions. Boardman-based #1 Cochran had 215 members, making it the largest team.

NILES SURVIVOR

"I was diagnosed in December 2012 and have had all the treatment I was able to at the Joanie Center, and I'm doing good," Carrie Kibby of Niles said.

Kibby, who received her diagnosis at age 37, also was the cancer survivor for whom Team Carrie was formed. In addition, Kibby has the distinction of having participated in all 17 Panerathon events, she said.

The initial impetus for running in her first few was to show support for the center. After her diagnosis, though, Kibby, who works at the McKinley Memorial Library in Niles, decided to begin her own team, 11 members of which came Sunday, she explained. They were among the 2-mile runners and walkers.

Kibby encouraged those who have recently been diagnosed with the disease to be proactive in their self-care and to surround themselves with positive and supportive people.

"I believe early detection saves lives," she said.

KEY STATISTICS

According to the National Cancer Society, about 321,910 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in women, with about 42,410 expected to die from the disease. The average risk for a woman in the U.S. to develop breast cancer is about 13%, and about one in 10 women who received a diagnosis are younger than 45.

Since 1989, disease rates have been steadily dropping, leading to a 44% decline through 2023, likely because of improved treatments as well as earlier screenings, awareness and diagnoses, the ACS website shows.

More than 4 million breast cancer survivors are in the U.S., including those who received a past diagnosis and others still being treated, the website states.

Also, men account for about 1% of diagnoses, with most of the men between ages 60 and 70. Treatment options often mirror those given to women, according to the Mayo Clinic's website.

Even though she is not a survivor, Emma Latell, 15, of Girard, felt no less compelled to work up a bit of a sweat while taking part in the 10K portion and showing her support on a morning that featured temperatures in the mid-60s and no rain.

"Our neighbor actually did have breast cancer. … I also want my neighbor to know that I support her and to tell her we care," Latell, a Girard High School sophomore, said. "We've been through thick and thin with her."

For Latell, making annual Panerathon appearances is anything but new. She has done the downtown trek "since my mom pushed us in a stroller," she said, adding that her school's cross country team also came Sunday.

For his part, Ryan expressed gratitude toward Mercy Health, Covelli Enterprises Inc. and JAC Management Group LLC for collaborating to make this and previous Panerathons successful.

"It takes a community to make an event like this possible," Ryan said, adding that it continues to grow annually, and that this year's figures are on the cusp of beating last year's.