Judy Pickett is one of the lucky ones.  She was tested for breast cancer early and has endured two recurrences. Saturday she will be running here 61^st Race for the Cure.  Her goal is to participate in 100 cancer benefit races nationwide.  She has won 46 of these races in the survivor category.

Judy will be joining more than 20,000 runners and survivors at Comerica Park. 7,300 Michigan women will be diagnosed with the disease this year. 1,400 will die of breast cancer this year

Judy, the youngest of six girls and one of fourteen kids, has been running since her early childhood in Sacramento, California.  She has continued to run and actually is at her peak right now. Married for 16 years and the mother of three young children keeps her life busy but it has not stopped her from teaching aerobics three days a week and spreading her life-affirming message through the Living With It Program.  www.livingwithit.org

Living With It helps women cope with the recurrence of breast cancer.  Most recurrences appear within the first two or three years after initial treatment. But cancer can recur many years after the original treatment. The chance of recurrence decreases over time. Living with It helps women to stay positive, focus on action not anger and thinking about what to ask your health care team.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death, from all causes, of women between the ages of 40-59. Mammography, as an early detection technique for breast cancer, can increase treatment options and improve a woman's chances for survival. If women actually followed the screening guidelines -- and received the appropriate treatment when necessary - breast cancer mortality would drop by 30%, Breast cancer incidence is lower in African American women than in Caucasian women, but African American women experience a higher mortality rate. This is due largely to diagnosis at later stages of disease.

Judy is the only one in her family to be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, she is a strong advocate for self-examination education, mammogram testing and providing hope through early detection.  She wants women to know that they are not alone.  The Race for the Cure runs put her in touch with survivors and support groups. They give her the staying power to lead an active and fulfilling life with breast cancer.

Tip of the week: Many newcomers get started walking and jogging when nice weather arrives.  This is an opportunity for long time runners to offer encouragement.  Congratulate them on their willingness to spring to action and make the attempt to get in shape. Just a thumb's up or any cheerful sign of recognition can go a long way.

Race of the Week: Saturday, April 20, Comerica Park, 9:00am, Contact Karmanos 800 527-6266 www.karmanos.org/raceforthecuredetroit