05/13/2008
Not Just a Walk for Team 'Pink Princess'
Beverly Breast Cancer Walk holds special meaning for Southside residents
'You never expect it to happen to you, and it does.'  Beverly resident, Geri Doherty describes the day she found a lump on her breast and went for a mammogram at Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers where it was confirmed that she had breast cancer.
It was right before Christmas and Geri immediately consulted with Dr. Olga Ivanov, the only female fellowship-trained breast surgeon on Chicago's Southwest area and medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Little Company of Mary. Geri says she was nervous but will never forget what Dr. Ivanov said that day, 'You are in good health, active, and if you continue to remain positive, there's no reason for anything other than a 100 percent recovery.' Before Geri knew it, she was headed into surgery on December 19, less than two weeks from the mammogram that she thought would come out normal. Geri says she couldn't be more thankful for everything moving so quickly. It was a Christmas gift to have Dr. Ivanov come out after Geri's surgery to assure her family that everything went well.
Three months into her post surgery treatment, Geri met Maureen Mulryan, Beverly Breast Cancer Walk Committee Member who offered her support and invited Geri to become involved with the Walk. Geri decided to organize her team, 'Pink Princess.' Her team name was created after receiving what would be the best gift she could ever receive, a pink tiara from her daughter, Barbara and niece Meghan. Geri says Barbara gave her the present before her first treatment and said, 'So you can feel like a princess.'
In late February, Geri received the disappointing news that she was being recommended for another round of chemotherapy treatments because she tested medium for a recurrence possibility. Geri knew she had to do it, and proudly wore her tiara to every treatment and doctor's appointment in honor of the continuous support she received throughout her journey.
Throughout that time, Geri's 'Pink Princess' team grew to more than 200 members. She says the amount of people that came to support her, simply from hearing about her story was so emotional. She says she'll never forget the sea of green t-shirts that day. Geri's support from her family, friends, neighbors and St. Barnabas parish raised $12,000 for the walk. She says, 'If love, support and prayers can cure cancer, it would be cured at the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk.'
In August 2007, Geri's work paid off when she received the gratifying phone call declaring her cancer free. Geri lives in Beverly with her husband Gerry and children Matthew 19, Bobby 18, Barbara 15, and Ginny 10, and says this year's Walk will truly be unforgettable.
Photo Caption: Geri Doherty, Breast Cancer Survivor at the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk, 2007.
The 9th Annual Beverly Walk Against Breast Cancer will be held this Mother's Day, May 11, 2008. More than 7,500 walkers turned out in support in last year's Beverly Breast Cancer Walk and this year it is expected that 10,000 walkers will show their support. This very special event is the largest walk on Chicago's Southwest side and begins in Ridge Park (96th and Longwood Drive) at 8 a.m. Participants walk three miles in the historic Beverly Hills/Morgan Park neighborhoods. All proceeds benefit the Comprehensive Breast Health at Little Company of Mary.
Register early to receive your t-shirt for only $30 for adults and $15 for children 18 and under. Costs increase by $5 dollars for same-day registration. To register for the 9th Annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk please visit www.beverlybreastcancerwalk.org or call 708.229.5066.
To take a free breast cancer on-line risk assessment please visit www.pursuingpainfreecancer.org.
To view this year's brochure click here
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