San Diego, CA (PressExposure) August 13, 2010 -- Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists committed to ending breast cancer forever, has named Irene Oberbauer as San Diego's 2010 Honorary Breast Cancer Survivor.
Oberbauer, retired President and CEO of San Diego County Credit Union, San Diego (Point Loma) native and a very recent breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed at age 52 after being overlooked by several doctors, because of possible scar tissue from previous biopsies when she was 19 and 24. An intelligent, assertive professional, Oberbauer was accustomed to taking charge, but until she found her lump, she had no idea the true importance of being your own health advocate. She persistently questioned authority, asked the right questions, demanded answers and fought to save her own life. Now, it is her mission to empower others to do the same. Oberbauer will serve as an inspirational spokesperson to help raise awareness of breast cancer screening and education in San Diego County.
"Irene Oberbauer is one of the strongest women I have ever met," said Laura Farmer Sherman, executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego. "She is in equal parts smart, savvy, passionate and tireless. She is an inspiration to women of all ages. Komen San Diego is so proud to have her represent our cause to end breast cancer forever."
Oberbauer was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in October 2009. She found a pea size lump on her right breast in June of 2009, and she didn't receive the correct diagnosis until five months after her initial exam, an ultrasound, a mammogram, numerous follow up appointments, and a second opinion. Feeling angry and extremely frustrated with the medical care she received up to this point, Oberbauer did her research and decided she needed to switch surgeons, even if that meant going out of her insurance network. Luckily, she previously worked for The County of San Diego, and she was able to retire to gain the coverage she needed. She found Ann M. Wallace, MD, FACS, Professor of Clinical Surgery and Director of UCSD Moores Cancer Center Breast Team, and together they began plans for a mastectomy and chemotherapy immediately.
On November 12, 2009 a 10 centimeter tumor was removed from Oberbauer's right breast. In total, she has had eight rounds of chemotherapy, and she just completed 33 radiation treatments. She endured three chemotherapy treatments while still recovering from her mastectomy before retiring as President and CEO of San Diego County Credit Union in February 2010. A driving force in getting through her treatments and days was that she didn't want to leave her two sons motherless. She also credits, Gerri-Lynn Fives, her "cancer buddy" with helping her cope. Fives is a Coronado resident and real estate broker associate that Oberbauer met by recommendation of her oncologist and reached out to during the course of her treatments.
"Try to connect with someone who's also going through cancer treatment, preferably someone who is further along in treatments than you" said Oberbauer. "Even if you do nothing but sit and talk about the treatments and what to expect, the simple fact of knowing you're not alone in this is huge."
Oberbauer's hair is growing back and she is feeling more and more like herself every day. She is now cancer free, but she knows her journey isn't over. She looks towards the future and she is committed to encouraging women of all ages to be their own health advocates.
"It's not over the day radiation is over," said Oberbauer. "Everyone says, 'Congrats, you're done!' But there's a journey starting at that point that is still very difficult. That's the beginning of survivorship and it starts with continuing to be your own advocate - and standing up for those who can't or don't know how. That's what this is all about - I want women of all cultures to understand this: You deserve a lifetime. You deserve competent medical attention. You know your body best. If something is wrong - get the answers you need. We're here to help you do that."
Oberbauer's sister, Chief of Staff to the San Diego County Sheriff, was diagnosed with breast, lung, and brain cancer a few months before she received her own diagnosis. She passed away on May 3, 2010 during the course of Oberbauer's treatment. Her father was also diagnosed with cancer in January 2009, but he is now cancer free.
Oberbauer promised her sister she'd fight the fight for both of them. Just like the promise Nancy Brinker made to her sister Susan G. Komen who died from breast cancer in 1982. Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded on that promise: to do something to help women suffering from breast cancer. Both Oberbauer and Brinker define the organization's mission: empower women, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find the cures.
On Sunday, November 7, 2010, Irene Oberbauer, along with more than 13,000 San Diegans are expected to unite in Balboa Park for the Fourteenth Annual Susan G. Komen San Diego Race for the Cure®. She has her own team in the Race and their motto is "I O it to myselfTM" since Oberbauer's initials are IO.
"Anyone can fill in the blank for what it is you owe to yourself, but as women we have to remember we truly do owe it to ourselves to be our own advocates and to all continue this fight to one day find a cure for this devastating disease," said Oberbauer.
A survivor ceremony will be held prior to the race to recognize Oberbauer as well as other San Diego breast cancer survivors.
For additional information about the San Diego Race for the Cure® or Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, please visit the national Web site at http://www.komen.org, or the San Diego Affiliate Web site at http://www.komensandiego.org. San Diegans can sign up for the November 7, 2010, San Diego Race for the Cure® on the San Diego Affiliate Web site, or by calling In Motion at (760) 692-2900.
Why is the Race for the Cure® so important to San Diego County? Since launching the breast cancer movement more than 30 years ago, Komen for the Cure has transformed the culture - bringing breast cancer out of the closet - changing the way the world talks about and treats this devastating disease. During the journey, it was often controversial and considered inappropriate to discuss diseases of the breast openly. We've come a long way - but we face new challenges. Here in San Diego County, many underserved women find breast cancer at a later and more aggressive stage and have a higher mortality rate. Still others have lost their jobs and can't afford medical insurance. All of this is compounded by the California state budget crisis which forced the closure of the only free mammogram program open to women in this state. So, we're doubling our efforts here at Komen San Diego to do what we can to raise additional funds. We raise funds primarily through the Race for the Cure®.