BY TRACY-ANN TAYLOR
February 22, 2008

When breast cancer strikes, it often kills.

For the many heroines who survive the disease, surgery can leave undesirable scars.

To fight back, local breast cancer survivors, supporters and advocates got behind the wheel of several BMWs last week to run over breast cancer and “kill’’ it.

The 12th Annual BMW Ultimate Drive kick-off celebration took place at BMW Vista Motor Company in Coconut Creek on Feb. 13.

The heavy downpour did little to deter the 300 participants who took the opportunity of a lifetime to test-drive brand-new BMWs.

For every mile they drove, BMW will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, an organization that provides community grants for breast health and treatment.

For more than a decade, BMW has collaborated with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and has raised $11 million to support breast cancer research and community outreach programs.

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would start a mission to eradicate breast cancer by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.

In 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure was formed. Since then, it has raised nearly $750 million, becoming one of the largest private donors for breast cancer research.

“Over the next decade, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is committed to investing another $2 billion for the cure. With partnerships like BMW, we know that we will reach that goal and surpass it,” said Katrina McGhee, vice president of marketing for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“The BMW Ultimate Drive is created as a grassroots program that gives community members across the country the opportunity to get involved in the fight to end breast cancer,” said Dan Creed, BMW’s southern region vice president.

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women in the United States, and the most common form of cancer. Though it is more common in women over 40, all women, regardless of ethnicity, are at risk.

An estimated 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to occur among women in the United States during 2007, resulting in an estimated 40,460 deaths. But with regular screenings, cancer can be found early, thus increasing the chance of survival. After treatment, many women go on to live long, healthy and productive lives.

At the Feb. 13 event, the public also got a sneak peek at the 2008 BMW X6 before it debuts at dealerships in May. The titanium-colored sports activity coupe, called the Signature Vehicle because it bears the signatures of those who support the cause, will lead 25 white BMWs to 210 dealerships across the United States as a tribute to those who have won or lost their fight with breast cancer.

“It really does indeed put BMW in a class by itself. Instead of just putting a pink ribbon on the cars, they have messages about breast cancer. So every time it is stopped at a traffic light or parked in front of a dealership, or heaven forbid, is stuck in traffic, a person has the opportunity to read a message on the car.

It makes a difference that can help save their life or bring us closer to the cure,” McGhee said. At every stop, BMW recognizes a local hero for his or her outstanding contribution in the fight against breast cancer and places their photo on the Signature Vehicle. This year, Fort Lauderdale resident Cristina Chediak was named one of South Florida’s breast cancer heroes. Chediak was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. At a time when she needed her income and benefits the most, Chediak was fired from her job. After four rounds of chemotherapy and over 30 radiation treatments that left her weak, Chediak lost her hair, but not her spirit.

She won her battle and devoted countless hours to the Susan G. Komen Miami/Fort Lauderdale affiliate and various support groups such as Gilda’s Club and A Buddy for You. Throughout the years, she has carried on a mission to encourage others and is a testament to newly diagnosed individuals and those in treatment, said Sue Cleveland, Member at Large for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Fort Lauderdale.

But Chediak’s fortitude was soon tested again.

In 2004, she learned that her 19-year-old daughter, Natalie, had Hodgkin’s disease, a form of cancer in the lymphatic system, which is a major part of the body’s immune system.

As in the past, Chediak gathered her remaining strength and courage as she assisted her daughter through her recovery.

“While none of us choose to have cancer, I believe that how we choose to deal with it is perhaps what makes us a hero,’’ Chediak said. “I simply decided to make a very good lemonade out of the damn lemons falling on me one more time.”