Sunday, August 23, 2009

Komen Central Valley Names 2009 Honorary Team New Balance Survivor



Yearly, the Komen Central Valley Race Committee nominates a breast cancer survivor who has made an exemplary contribution in the fight against breast cancer to serve as Honorary Team New Balance Survivor. She will be honored at the 11th Annual Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure. You are about to read the bio of this year's nominee, Jamie Ledezma. She is an extraordinary young woman who has touched the hearts of many at the local and national level. Her story has been featured at Komen Advocacy Alliance, local TV and CNN.com.

On Valentine’s Day 2007, twenty-seven year old Jamie Ledezma was diagnosed with breast cancer. Together, she and her husband Rigo embarked on her breast cancer journey. Not only did she face battling breast cancer as a young woman and wife, she courageously underwent chemotherapy while 15 weeks pregnant. After six months of chemotherapy, Jamie delivered a healthy baby boy. She then underwent 4 additional rounds of chemo. Jamie had a significant family history of breast cancer and tested positive for BRCA-1. A month and a half after her baby was born, Jamie underwent a bilateral mastectomy. In order to share her journey with family and friends, Jamie authored the blog, Pregnant With Cancer Unbeknownst to her, her blog would touch the lives of women throughout the United States.
Jamie traveled with son Blake to Sacramento, California to deliver her testimony of breast cancer survival to California legislators. A very busy wife, mother, attorney and political science instructor, Jamie also serves as the Public Policy Chair on the Komen Central Valley Board of Directors. She seizes every opportunity to educate by sharing her experience and perspective on life as a young breast cancer survivor.
Jamie’s dedication and commitment to the cause serves as an inspiration to all.