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Breast Cancer Survivor To Host Fundraiser In Riverview

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

Breast cancer survivor Karen Lewandowski of Apollo Beach, 46, is hosting G2g Generation to generation, a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk for the Cure Sept. 14 at the International Independent Showmen’s Association in Riverview.

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

APOLLO BEACH - When Karen Lewandowski went for her first mammogram two years ago, her physician found a lump in her right breast. She was 44.

"I didn't have insurance," said the self-employed dog trainer. "I never really thought about it. I wasn't a high-risk because breast cancer doesn't run on my mother's side of the family. Besides, I was busy raising five daughters."

That thinking proved to be costly, Lewandowski said.

Although her doctor thought the lump was probably benign, he sent her for a second mammogram and an ultrasound. Still not overly concerned after viewing those tests, he referred her to a specialist, as a precaution.

"Lucky for me, I had a good doctor," Lewandowski said.

During a core biopsy at Brandon Regional Hospital, part of the lump was removed and sent to a lab, which found it malignant.

"I got a phone call to come into my doctor's office and was told it was cancer," Lewandowski said. "At first, I wanted simply to have my breasts removed, but my doctor recommended a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation."

During the procedure, the lump was found not only to be in the breast but also in the rib muscle. As a result, the surgeons decided a mastectomy of the affected breast was needed after all.

Only five months from the day she had her first mammogram, Lewandowski was admitted to St. Joseph's Women's Hospital for the surgery, which was followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Her last chemo treatment was in January 2007, and she is now in remission.

Lewandowski began thinking about how she could help others avoid going through what she had. So she decided to get involved in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk for the Cure because she had survived and she could.

Due to a degenerative disc condition and balance issues brought on by a car accident, Lewandowski will only be able to walk up to eight miles per day with the help of her service dog, Thor. But she said it's important to do what she can by participating in the walk and raising as much money as she can.

Lewandowski has almost raised the entrance fee of $2,200, but she has set a personal goal of reaching $50,000.

"It's a large amount, I know," she said. "But I figure I should set my sights high to see how far I can go. My focus is raising money for a cure and walking as far as I am physically capable."

Her plan includes a major fundraiser called G2g Generation to generation in Riverview. The event will include a women's expo, tea, educational and commercial exhibits, fashion show, hat contest, silent auction, and free skin cancer evaluation. There will also be children's activities, including hat painting, face painting, a moon walk, dunk tank and games.

Free haircuts will be provided to everyone who contributes 10 or more inches of hair to Locks of Love, a nonprofit organization that provides hair prosthetics to the financially disadvantaged who are suffering from long-term hair loss from any medical diagnosis.

Admission is $5 per person; children 11 and younger will be admitted free. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.

"I want women to know the dangers of becoming complacent," she said. "People aren't kidding when they talk about the importance of doing self-exams and getting regular mammograms. We need to be proactive."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: G2g Generation to generation, a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk for the Cure

WHERE: International Independent Showmen's Association, 6915 Riverview Drive, Riverview

WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 14

HOST: Karen Lewandowski, breast cancer survivor

TICKETS: Riverview Chamber of Commerce, 10520 Riverview Drive; Ruskin Chamber of Commerce, 315 U.S. 41 S.; Give A Dog A Bone, 6114 U.S. 41 N., Apollo Beach; H&R Block offices, 212-A Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach or 717 Imar Drive, Sun City Center; Ruskin Memorial VFW Post 6287, 5120 U.S. 41 N.; and 1171 Nikki View Drive, Brandon

INFORMATION: (813) 436-1328

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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