The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, 10K and one-mile walk are just around the corner and WSLS 10 is a proud sponsor of this year's event. WSLS 10 Anchor Dawn Jefferies helps a Roanoke man tell his story of keeping his late wife's memory alive through Race for the Cure.
ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Calvin Smith and his wife Kim became involved with Race for the Cure after Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010.
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Their children have also taken part in every race since her diagnosis. Now they carry Kim's memory as they carry on the family tradition.
After her diagnosis, Calvin said Kim became involved in the organization's programs and found comfort in its support groups.
Calvin remembered, "they initially thought it was stage one or stage two. Three weeks later, we found out it was already in her liver."
But Kim pushed forward. She spoke at the 2012 Race and threw out the first pitch at Komen's Pink in the Park event with the Salem Red Sox.
"It was a real support for her to meet other women who were going through some of the same things and some of the education and just meeting the folks who are passionate about it, and she became very passionate about it, as did I," remembered Calvin. "It really has meant a lot to me and to my family and my boys look very much forward to this every year. Every year they're always asking when spring comes around is it time for the race yet."
Kim was a Georgia Bulldogs fan and her little Dawgs, just five- and three-years-old when she was diagnosed, still take part in every race. Josh runs the 5K and Jackson volunteers.
And while Calvin said it's sometimes hard to be involved, the Smith men race to find a cure and support the screening and education Komen provides to help make a difference for women like his wife and the mother of his boys.
"The race every year obviously brings up some memories and some different emotions, but certainly it's a good reminder of my wife, and I also don't want to see other kids - other husbands and other fathers - having to go through the same thing," Calvin said.
Join WSLS 10 Anchors Dawn Jefferies and Lindsey Ward on April 25 as they emcee the Race at River's Edge Sports Complex in Roanoke. The race gets underway at 9 a.m.