For our second issue of the Banavani, I am excited to highlight Shobha Mazur, a BANA member, who has dedicated her time and energy to a cause close to many of our hearts - the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (for breast cancer). Shobha, daughter of Drs. Chitharanjan and Yeshwanthi Shetty, has organized the local Washington D.C. area Bunts to participate annually in the Race for the Cure. I interviewed Shobha about her commitment to the Race for the Cure.
Suhana: How did you first get involved in the Race for the Cure? Shobha: Because of Usha Aunty's (Dr. Usha Punja) death - she died of breast cancer in 2001. We all wanted to do something to honor her memory and this seemed like the right thing to do. I had heard of the Race for the Cure before - but after her death I knew it was something I was committed to doing. I organized the first "team" of Bunts to walk a 5 K in D.C. We each wore a placard that said we were walking in honor of Usha Aunty's memory. Each participant pays a registration fee that goes toward breast cancer research. The D.C. Bunts have been "racing" for the cure to breast cancer for about seven years now.
Suhana: How does your family support your commitment to the race? Shobha: The whole family is not only supportive but committed to helping me. My husband Steve, my Mom, and my daughters, Anna & Rena, help me prior to the race by putting together the placards that the racers will wear (ie. printing, typing, getting safety pins), collaborating the cell phone list, and figuring out the place where we will all group prior to the race. Last year, 50,000 people participated in the walk so coordination is important for us to stay together as a team. My mom and my daughters have also joined in on the race when they can. Not only has my family been committed to the race but so has our local Bunt community. Each year the number of racers for our team (Dr. Usha Punja Memorial) varies, but there are those who participate each and every year, come rain or extreme heat. We have had young children and grandparents participate - it is a cross generational experience. Some years, we have even had a few Bunts run the 5K!
Suhana: What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself (and others) with your involvement with this cause? Shobha: I think this is a special time for the Bunts in the area to get together and remember and honor Usha Aunty's memory. We started the race as a way to remember Usha Aunty and what she meant to us. But it became so much more. Many of us supported other friends and family members who were directly impacted by breast cancer in recent years. We all came together to support our own survivors such as Hema Aunty and Rasika (Hema Mally and Rasika Shetty). We watched them struggle with the disease and survive. My involvement in this cause touched me in ways that I didn't expect when I first began this journey.
Suhana: What would you tell other BANA members who want to get involved? Shobha: I would tell them to not hesitate. I often find that this is such a great way to spend time with fellow Bunts in a different setting. During the race, I talk to Bunts who I may not always talk with about topics we may not normally speak of in a social gathering. Our experiences seem to be more meaningful. I would encourage Bunts who have the financial power to harness it towards a cause that they are passionate about. I also would encourage BANA members to promote the education of issues that effect them.
Editor's Note: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over their lifetime (men are also at risk but their odds are at 1%). Breast self-exam (BSE) is a tool that may help you become familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel. Women over the age of 20 should conduct self-exams. BSE may help you find tumors in the time between your yearly mammogram and/or clinical breast exam. It may also help you see or feel changes in your breasts that should be reported to your health care provider. If you notice any of the warning signs, see your health care provider right away. This information was gathered from the Susan G. Komen web site. For information on how to participate in a race near you or for general information on breast cancer, please see the ww5.komen.org web site.