Survivor Stories: Robin Graham

Survivor of the Month – Robin Graham – Terryville

Robin Graham, 49, is nearing her 12^th breast cancer survivor anniversary in October but she doesn’t focus on the past. 

Robin was diagnosed just weeks after giving birth to Nicholas, who now runs the Komen Connecticut Race for the Cure.  And, as we often hear from survivors, the disease was a wake-up call for her.

“Married, with two young sons, I was scared.   I realized how vulnerable I had been.  But I also realized how important breast self exam really is,” Graham said.

 “I decided I wanted to see my kids grow up.  So, every day since has been a building block,” she told sports reporter Mark Jaffee in a Mothers’ Day feature in the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. “…It’s one more step on the road to recovery…I thank God every day to be able to see my children’s birthdays and smiles on their faces.”   

During her personal research, Robin learned that the Susan G. Komen For the Cure was active in Connecticut.   She jumped right in and got involved.

Robin’s been a proactive volunteer for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and breast cancer in general for 11 years.   After many years of volunteering in such capacities as the Race day survivor breakfast chairperson, as New Balance Honorary Team Captain two years ago, as the Bristol Press’s “newsmaker of the week,’ as a featured survivor hero in a Westfarms event, co-chairing Komen’s Survivor Symposium in 1999, starting a support group and more, she is now heading up a Komen educational effort called I Am the Cure.

 Her sons Zachary and Nicholas were infants when they started scurrying around a course for Komen CT Race for the Cure.   This year, both boys will run the 5K.

 Nicholas, now 13, began the Race when he was only four and says that his first memory is of the arch at the finish line. “I loved to see my mom at the survivors’ recognition stage at the end of the race. I think that’s my fondest memory of the race,” says Nicholas.  He runs for fun and exercise and this is his second year in the competitive 5K.

 Nicholas’ brother, Zachary, now age 11, began Komen Race for the Cure at age two and, like many was pushed in a stroller by his mom.   His most vivid memory is also the arch.  He emphasizes that registration for the Kids K is just as important as any other aspect of the Race, as it all raises money for a good cause.

 “Race day is always amazing!” Graham said.  “It is so emotional, just seeing the sea of pink survivor visors and how many people had been effected in my small state.”

 It’s definitely a family affair.  One year, their dad, John, was co-chair of the Kids K.  And Robin’s team also includes her nieces.  Graham’s named her team HOT is Cool.  “HOT stands for Helping Others Through,” Graham said. 

 And Helping is survivor Robin Graham’s middle name!   

 Reach Robin at graham-robin@sbcglobal.net.

 Barbara Puffer and Jeffrey Warzecha of Puffer Public Relations Strategies contributed to this story.

To be involved in other Susan G. Komen for the Cure Connecticut Affiliate projects, visit our website or call (860) 728-4955.