New Britain Herald - 05/02/2007

Last year, I endured the physical and psychological rigors of trying to survive on one of television's most popular reality shows, "Survivor: Panama, Exile Islands." While on the island, I faced physical challenges, made friends and enemies, lost 27 pounds, and fought for my "survival." I finished third place - a victory for me on many levels.

While I chose to take on a certain level of adversity by participating in a TV show, that experience is nothing when compared to the hardship and struggles women face when battling breast cancer. I will join many of these people and their families and friends at the CT RACE IN THE PARK in New Britain's Walnut Hill Park on May 12. Together, we will celebrate breast cancer survivors and make real strides to raise funds for more research and education here in Connecticut.
My connection to the RACE began through my friend, Susan Lane, who also is serving as chair of the 2007 RACE. Susan is the team photographer for the vintage baseball team I am lucky enough to play on in Simsbury. Early on, she loved the "survivor" connection between the TV show and breast cancer survivors. While I would never compare my chosen experience to their unwelcome disease, it was an honor for me to lend my "mini-celebrity" status to help champion such a remarkable event.
I have come to know many of the people at CT Breast Health Initiative, hosts of the CT RACE IN THE PARK, and am amazed at the dedication they have to finding a future cure for this devastating disease. Breast cancer affects so many families, it is nearly impossible not to know someone who has battled the disease or has had a relative or friend go through the fight.
While battling it out on "Survivor," there were times when I wondered why I was working so hard to win. And there were times I pushed myself further than I imagined I could.
This, I believe, is my real connection with breast cancer survivors - as they possess the determination to beat out something so great and daunting. They rightly serve as an inspiration to so many and offer hope to people who are in the midst of their own struggles.
This will be my first experience with the RACE, and I have been training to run the 5K men's run. I am excited to join runners and walkers who meet in the park each year - rain or shine - to enjoy a true family event. There will be something for everyone on that day including youth races and challenges, music, entertainment, food and more. And the day will raise important funds for breast cancer research and education efforts here in our state.
It is events like the RACE that make me appreciate one of the greatest outcomes of my few minutes of fame on "Survivor." People connect with the show, and people enjoy knowing that someone from Connecticut made it so far. For me, the show has opened new doors and allowed me to participate in life in new and meaningful ways - such as by participating in the CT RACE IN THE PARK. I have become a fan of the RACE and hope my fellow "Survivor" fans join me on RACE day to help celebrate the real heroes in our lives and community.