ourhonoree

Meet MARIE COLE, our 2025 Community Walk for Breast Cancer Honoree

In Marie's words...
 

"I am humbled and honored to be this year’s Honoree for the Miles of Hope 22nd Annual Community Walk for Breast Cancer. Over the years, I have learned how important the organization is in supporting those in our community affected by breast cancer. Providing financial assistance, scholarships, peer-to-peer counselling, and grants for a range of programs make a significant difference in the lives of many. The inspiration for supporting each other when facing cancer extends beyond these programs. Every Miles of Hope event provides the opportunity to connect with others who have experienced or are facing cancer, showing that you are not alone.

In 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage IIB breast cancer, when my annual mammogram and a biopsy identified a 2 cm cancerous tumor and cancer in an armpit lymph node. I was in shock to be diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 with no family history of breast cancer. I had a lot to learn about breast cancer! Fortunately, it was early-stage cancer, and my medical team had confidence in a treatment plan of chemotherapy, lumpectomy (and axillary lymph node dissection), and radiation.

I did very well throughout my treatment, thankful to have a good response and only limited side effects. I was fortunate to receive outstanding support from my husband Dave, family, friends, IBM colleagues, and especially my medical team – Dr. Gregory Zanieski, Sara Winterleitner, and Dr. Camilo Torres at the Dyson Center for Cancer Care and Dr. Jason Rubin, with nurses Tammy Donovan and Susan Mayfield, at Optum Oncology. I also had several “breast cancer mentors” who were other patients or survivors.

During my recovery from surgery, Cathy Varunok, Miles of Hope co-founder, was my Occupational Therapist. I was anxious to get back to swimming, ice hockey, yoga, and other activities, so I was grateful when she suggested an exercise class funded by Miles of Hope for breast cancer patients and survivors. That class supported both my physical and emotional recovery from cancer treatment – and I keep in touch with our instructor and several class members.

After completing my treatment, I wanted to give back to the breast cancer community. I volunteered for Miles of Hope by helping distribute flyers for the Family Fun Run in 2014 when my dear friend, IBM colleague, and breast cancer mentor, Carla Bailey, was one of the honorees in memoriam. I then participated in other Miles of Hope activities like the Community Walk and Yoga for Hope. I was very appreciative to be recognized as an honoree at the 2016 Family Fun Run, where my ice hockey teammates helped me launch Team Tough Girls with the motto “Tough Girls have Hope.”

Several years ago, in anticipation of my retirement from IBM, I wanted to volunteer more for Miles of Hope. I joined the scholarship committee in 2019 and the Board of Directors in 2021. Since joining the Board of Directors, I’ve co-chaired the Metastatic Breast Cancer and Diversity Committees, currently serve as the Board Vice Chair, and am happy to represent Miles of Hope at numerous events.

One day I hope we can change our team motto from “Tough Girls have Hope” to “Tough Girls Win.” Until that day, I will be thankful for and support Miles of Hope."