• In 1993, Pam Bandy's older sister, Robin, at the age of 36, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. Unbeknownst to Robin, the doctors told her husband that they didn't expect her to live six months. Robin vowed to beat the disease––her motto became "never give up." Eighteen months later, Robin died.
  
  As Pam tells it: "In my book Robin was a winner! She managed to squeeze an extra twelve months out of life to spend with her beloved children and husband. I was inspired by her courage and dogged determination.
  
  "Three years later, also at the age of 36, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, my cancer was detected very early. After surgery and six weeks of radiation, I was done with treatment. It was time to get my life back to normal. But I vowed to do whatever I could to defeat this disease so that my daughters and nieces (who now have a significant family history) would never have to go through the breast cancer ordeal.
  
  "In late 2001, I decided to do something about that vow, and for the next seven months I trained to run Grandma's Marathon in Duluth on June 22, 2002."
  
  As she trained, Pam sent a letter telling her story to friends, relatives and neighbors, and requesting their support of her marathon effort in raising awareness and money to help fight breast cancer. She suggested the option of making a per mile contribution for the 26.2 miles, or a flat amount.
  
  The Foundation is greatly honored to have been chosen as the
  beneficiary of this victorious challenge. And finally . . . SHE DID IT!

Pam Bandy

• "I didn't win, I didn't set any records, but I did finish.  And together we raised over $3,400 to help fight breast cancer. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! I am truly humbled to have such great friends, neighbors and family.  Your support, prayers and words of en-couragement touched me deeply. My daughter said the morning of the race, "Thanks, Mom, for doing this, so that we don't have to have breast cancer when we grow up." My heartfelt thanks to all of you. -
  
  
  
  
  

• "I guess the Kenyan and Russian runners didn't need to worry about me after all! I did finish and managed to shave 12 minutes off of my time
  from last year, but more importantly, with your help we raised over $2,400 to help fight breast cancer!
  
  Each dollar raised brings us that much closer to a cure. Thank you very much!  Thanks also for your encouragement and kind words. Hopefully, breast cancer will be eliminated before our daughters need to
  worry about it.
  
  

Pam Bandy