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Friday, June 6, 2008
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Knutson, Boen to lead lakes area race for the cure
The Brainerd Lakes Affiliate of Susan G. Komen announced Pam Knutson is honorary survivor chair and Mike Boen is honorary chair for the Susan G. Komen Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure, which will be July 5 at Forestview Middle School in Baxter.
Knutson, a retired educator from Baxter, and Boen, managing partner of BL Broadcasting in Baxter, were selected for their commitment to fight breast cancer. Knutson is a cancer survivor while Boen lost a close family member to the disease.
"Pam and Mike are very deserving of this honor," said Race Chair Emily Lanin, in a news release. "They both have heart-tugging stories about the destructive forces of breast cancer and both are committed to working toward a cure. They epitomize the dedication of those who are leading this global breast cancer movement."
Knutson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978, even though she felt a small lump in her breast a year earlier.
A mammogram showed no change, but a biopsy a year later during her annual visit showed invasive breast cancer, which led to a mastectomy four days later.
Two years later, her son was diagnosed with breast cancer, proving to Knutson what she believed all along, that her breast cancer was genetic and her and her son's cancer was passed down through her father's family.
"Just as Nancy Brinker promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything she could to rid the world of breast cancer, we have promised our son, Brad, that we will do everything we can to make all people - women and men alike - aware of the warning signs of breast cancer," Knutson said. "Early detection is the key to survival."
A 34-year veteran of the radio industry, Boen lost his grandmother, Luella, to breast cancer when he was young. Growing up in Minneapolis, he spent a great deal of time with her. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, Boen remembers riding the bus with her to her radiation treatments. When the cancer became more advanced, he would walk 8 miles round trip to visit her at hospice.
"In the 50 years since my grandmother lost her battle with breast cancer, the advancements in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment have given hope to millions," Boen said. "Susan G. Komen for the Cure offers support and hope for everyone touched by breast cancer until a cure is found. I urge everyone to support the ninth annual Komen Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure on July 5."
Boen has made community service a high priority for him and his staff at BL Broadcasting. His community initiatives include the Radiothon to End Child Abuse, record-setting blood drives for the Red Cross, Coats for Kids collections and various other projects. Those efforts have earned his staff a variety of local and national awards.
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