Why one woman keeps walking at the Mother's Day Classic

A routine mammogram at 49 saved Rosa Kure’s life. She had already lost her mother to breast cancer at just 25.

Now, Kure is sharing her story to encourage others not to delay potentially life-saving checks.

“The whole appointment is done in 30 minutes. This could change the course of your life,” she said.

“I understand fear of the unknown but early detection saved me from having to face years of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

“Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate.

“The majority might be over 40, but I have seen myself the misconception that it doesn’t affect young women is proven to be wrong.”

Kure will carry that message into this year’s Mother’s Day Classic (MDC) in Geelong, where she is again involved as an ambassador after more than 15 years supporting the event.

Rosa Kure joins the Geelong Mother’s Day Classic at Eastern Park on Sunday after more than 15 years supporting the event. Photo: supplied.

The annual fun run and walk returns to Eastern Park on Sunday, with almost 3,500 participants expected locally and more than 100,000 taking part nationwide to raise funds for breast and ovarian cancer research.

Kure first took part in the event to honour her mother, who died aged 58 in 1991.

“Being present that day was unforgettable, so the following year I decided to give something back and this started my volunteer work for MDC,” she said.

“Mother’s Day has always been quite an emotional day for me, having lost my mum at 25.

“Being part of MDC, knowing that fundraising and research would one day help another woman possibly survive this disease and have less impact on her family, inspired me to return every year.”

Over time, the event has become a constant in her life, both as a way to give back and to connect with others affected by the disease.

About 3,500 people are expected to take part in this year’s event. Photo: Mother’s Day Classic.

“This event means a lot to me,” Kure said. “I am the seventh member of my family to be diagnosed with breast cancer and when I started there were only three.

“The community spirit is so very present every year. We are a strong and giving community, and this disease has in some way impacted us all.

“Coming together on days like this makes a world of difference.”

After everything she has faced, Kure said her outlook is now simple.

“Don’t sweat the small things, show kindness more often, help others in need, love and keep your family and friends close,” she said.

“Just be present – we only get one shot at this life.”

Visit mothersdayclassic.com.au