DEARBORN, Mich., May 18, 2011 – Ford employee Robin Glover will never forget the moment her doctor told her she had breast cancer.
“When you get that diagnosis, you don’t hear anything,” she said. “My whole body went numb, and it wasn’t until I got in my car and was driving home that it really sunk in what was about to happen to me.”
Glover fought an arduous two-year battle with the disease that included a partial lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Today, at age 46, she is cancer-free and counts herself among the nearly 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
“Cancer is not a death sentence,” she said. “Early detection is key, and there are great advances in medicine that are helping improve the lives of many people with the disease.”
Glover says she hopes to shine as a beacon of hope for all of those touched by breast cancer by taking part in the 20th annual Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 21, at Comerica Park.
“I’ve always been part of the Ford team supporting the cause, but I was never personally affected before,” she said. “Just being among all the patients, survivors and family members will be amazing.”
Prior to the Detroit race, Glover will inspire her Ford colleagues by speaking at Ford Warriors in Pink Day on Wednesday, May 18, at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich.
Glover joins Ford Motor Company in celebrating its 17th year of support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. To date the company has dedicated more than $110 million to the cause.
In addition to providing financial support, Ford encourages its employees to participate in local races. More than 75,000 Ford employees run or walk in races across the country to support the cause, and thousands of Ford dealers across the nation participate in their local race events.
“Ford is committed to making a difference,” said Crystal Worthem, manager, Ford Brand Content and Alliances. “We also are dedicated to raising awareness that early detection of breast cancer saves lives.”
In addition to early detection, Glover credits her recovery to her faith and the support of her family and friends, especially her co-workers at Ford who formed a group in her honor called “Robin’s Wings,” named, so they say, because “her faith enabled her to soar above fear and doubt to get through this difficult journey.” “Robin’s Wings” will walk with Glover in the Detroit Race for the Cure, and they raised money in her name to support breast cancer research and education.
Glover says she hopes her story will encourage others to join the fight against the insidious disease that is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death among women.
Ford Warriors in Pink: A 365-day commitment to the cause
The Ford Warriors in Pink campaign is designed to recognize the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer 365 days a year.
“Warriors in Pink is about women and men finding strength within themselves – their inner Warrior – at a time they need it most,” explained Worthem.
New 2011 Warriors in Pink apparel and accessories for men, women and children feature important symbols that signify hope, strength and unity to all those affected by the disease. The merchandise – which can be personalized with custom messages to honor a loved one who has survived or is currently fighting breast cancer – is sold at www.fordcares.com, and 100 percent of the net proceeds go directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The people modeling merchandise on the Warriors in Pink website are all survivors or family members of survivors. Glover is one of them. And all of their stories are told in videos at www.shopwarriorsinpink.com.
Through the Warriors in Pink initiative, Ford brings together people who have been touched by breast cancer, forming a national community of supporters united in compassion and dedication to fight the disease. Ford encourages people everywhere to share their stories of hope and perseverance in the face of the disease at http://stories.fordcares.com.
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