Margaret Oathout, a 12-year breast cancer survivor, lives in Boynton Beach.
Age 74
She is also a participant of the South Florida Affiliate of Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, named eight Warriors in Pink.
The race, set for Jan. 30, is the largest fundraiser for the Komen South Florida Affiliate.
Singing is her all-time favorite activity.
Her hero is her mother, Margery.
Oathout retired in 1992 from the New York State Office of Developmental Disabilities after 22 years of service.
She has volunteered with Komen since 2000.
What was you cancer experience like?
“In 1997, I didn’t know very much about breast cancer or anyone who had to deal with it. Since my work with Komen, I describe my experience as a garden variety, post-menopause breast cancer. I was freaked out but after hearing some of the stories, some people had it much worse.”
Why is it important to spread the word about breast cancer?
“The young people especially need to know. They have to deal with the mutated cancer genes and their tumors are incredibly aggressive. Also the younger women have young families.”
What has your experience with the Komen Pink Warriors been like?
“It has been wonderful. In 1998 and 1999, I participated in the race. After 2001, I started to organize the team participation process and chaired it for five years.”
What is in your immediate future?
“I still handle registration at the Boynton mall. Komen just has some of the greatest people who decide to volunteer.”
What is the future of breast cancer?
“The old mission for Komen used to be eliminating breast cancer as a life-threatening illness. Now the mission is a world without breast cancer but it is not going to happen overnight.”
What will help to stop breast cancer?
“The research. For us, the Race for the Cure is our major fundraiser. About 25 percent of that goes to the national office for basic research.”