Keri's Breast Cancer Story: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

My name is Doug Haberstroh, and this is the story of my wife Keri. Shortly after we were married, Keri was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was only 25 years old. It was her wish to share her story with the world.

A few days before the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in October 2005, Keri was approached by the Community Chair who asked Keri to be the "Honorary Community Chair." Keri was so touched and happy to be a part of such a great cause.

Subject: The Walk

Sent: Wednesday, October 26, 2005 12:39 PM

Hello Everyone,

I thought it would be nice to let you all know what a wonderful experience I had this past weekend at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. First of all though I would like to thank you all once again for donating towards our walk.

Now for my story of how things went... I have learned a big lesson through all this and that is to be careful of what you post on the Internet. It seems that I was the only registered person who imported a personal picture onto the web link. This was noticed by the Community Chair person that was in charge of the event. I was contacted by him a couple of days before the walk.

He told me that looking at my picture and seeing my great big smile inspired him. He said he thought my picture showed what a positive attitude I had and what great strength I had for fighting this disease. I was flattered. He also told me that Doug and I as individuals had raised the second largest amount of donations through our web page.

Of course there were also teams that were registered, but he was talking about the individuals category. Anyway he said that because he was so inspired by our picture they wanted to honor me at the walk. I was curious as to what that meant. He said they wanted to make me "honorary chair member" for the walk. I knew this position would have some sort of duties attached to it, but I was very excited and overwhelmed with flattery. I told him I would do it and asked what it involved.

He told me that they would like me to simply share my story of what I've been through to everyone there and that they would love for me to lead the walk. At this point I was pacing our house while talking to him on the phone because I couldn't sit still with all my excitement. I already felt honored just with the idea of it all. So when we got there Saturday to sign in, it seemed that many people already knew who we were and were very excited to see us. I was told around what time I would be speaking my part and to just stick around the front of the crowd.

There was a banner similar to ones used in parades that they were having all the survivors put their handprints on. So I added my small handprint.

Shortly thereafter the program began. There were some speakers at the beginning talking about the sponsors and the workers of the event. Then came my turn. I was so nervous. But they said just to share what I was comfortable with sharing. So I told a short and sweet version of my journey through chemo, hospital visits, surgery, and chemo again. I was doing very well which surprised me. I was speaking loud enough for everyone to hear and I was not having trouble finding anything to say.