About

Shell’s Angels is a Komen Race for the Cure team headed up by Michelle Toich Anderson, a breast cancer survivor since 2007, and her husband, Nik Anderson.

Here, in Michelle’s words, is what we are doing and why we do it:

When I turned 40, I dutifully made an appointment and went in for my first mammogram. It was also to be my last mammogram, as it turns out. The mammogram found two tumors, which further testing proved to be cancerous. Within a few weeks I’d had a bilateral mastectomy and was in the process of breast reconstruction. That was a little over three years ago, and while ideally I wish I’d never had to go through all of that (of course!) in many ways I count myself very lucky.

1. My cancer was caught very early (in Stage I)
2. As a result, my lymph nodes were clear–the cancer had not spread beyond the breast tissue
3. I did not require radiation or chemotherapy
4. I have had very few side effects from Tamoxifen–the only ongoing treatment that I am still under
5. And most importantly: I SURVIVED

I feel very strongly that the mammogram quite literally saved my life. It breaks my heart to think that there are women who have to deny themselves this important diagnostic tool due to lack of insurance, and that’s why I participate in the Race for the Cure. Not everyone is lucky enough to have good insurance like I had, but everyone deserves a chance to survive.

This year, every $100 donated could fund a mammogram for a woman in need. Our team fundraising goal for this year is $6000, which will fund 60 mammograms!

Every dollar you donate helps–no amount is too small! Please help us save lives by donating to our team or team members.