Cancer survivor teams up with ZETA to raise money for research

04/11/08 - Deb Cole started walking in 2005 as a method of rehabilitation after a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.Now, walking has become a form of activism for Cole - a way for her to raise money for breast cancer research.

Cole participated in her first race, the Komen Race for the Cure, only two months after her surgery.

Since then, she has participated twice in the Boston Breast Cancer 3-Day, a three-day, 60-mile walk that has raised more than $220 million since the first race in 2003.

Cole and her walking team, Hope Blossoms, have raised a total of more than $12,000, a number that grows each year she participates in the race, which requires walkers to raise a minimum of $2,200.

"It's really a grassroots effort," she said. "My friends, family, co-workers and members of the community are all so supportive."

So far she has raised about $600, but much of the fundraising is dependant on tonight's pasta dinner, which Cole, a financial analyst at the University of Rhode Island, is co-hosting with Zeta Epsilon Tau Alpha.

The dinner, which will be held at the Kingston Congressional Church, will raise money through individual donations and a drawing for about $350 worth of merchandise from Vera Bradley, Ronzio's and other local businesses. Cole and ZETA will split the profits.

ZETA junior Jocelyn Kelly said about 250 people are expected to attend. Kelly said she is hopeful the dinner will yield the funds necessary to cover Cole's entrance fee for the race.

"If this dinner is a success, we will definitely continue to support Deb in her fundraising," she said. "We are just so excited to be able to contribute to her efforts."

Kelly said ZETA supports Cole because her work is consistent with the values of the sorority.

"One of the most important pillars of ZETA is philanthropy," Kelly said. "One of our major philanthropies is breast cancer because it affects so many women."

As Kelly was asking for donations from businesses in the surrounding area, she said the number of people whose lives had been changed by breast cancer continually surprised her.

"You never realize how many people are affected by breast cancer until you actually talk to people," she said. "This is why it's so important for us to continue raising money and awareness."

Kelly said she is impressed by the strength of the members of Hope Blossoms and all survivors of breast cancer. She said she hopes to be able to continue supporting them in their efforts.

"They are such powerful role models," Kelly said. "We are lucky to have such strong women as our role models."

In addition to being a breast cancer survivor, Cole said she has other reasons to raise money to help fund research for a cure.

"I have two daughters, so this is a very personal issue for me," Cole said. "I want to eradicate breast cancer in my lifetime so that not only my daughters but other women's daughters will not have to suffer from it."

After participating in the walk, Cole plans to continue inspiring others on a larger scale.

She has been invited to participate in the National Breast Cancer Coalition at the end of the month. There she will join other breast cancer activists in lobbying Congress on Capitol Hill about increased funding for breast cancer research.

"I'm taking my breast cancer activism to another level," she said. "Hopefully together we will be able to find a cure for breast cancer.