CEDAR FALLS -- Breast cancer survivors are used to beating the odds.

Organizers of the second annual 5K Pink Ribbon Walk/Run -- a fundraiser to help cancer survivors and patients in need -- hoped to exceed the $12,000 raised last year during the inaugural event. Participation exceeded expectations Saturday, and so did revenue.

An estimated 300 people forked over the $25 entry fee -- with some donating even more -- to race from the Cedar Falls Library to Big Woods Lake and back again to help people battling breast cancer. Organizers planned for 250 runners, but prior to the 8 a.m. start time, all of the T-shirts, socks and other free items for participants were gone.

Once sponsorship money is included with entry fees, organizers believe they may have raised $15,000. Stephanie Bardal, race organizer, is blown away by the generosity of those participating.

"Last year's goal was $10,000, which we exceeded. I'm sure we've beat this year's goal again," Bardal said. "I would bet half the people donated beyond the $25. That's great. I know how hard the community has been hit with the tornado and flooding."

All the money collected will benefit the Beyond Pink Team, a nonprofit organization whose members work to increase breast cancer awareness in the Cedar Valley. The funds will help pay uncovered expenses due to breast cancer or surgery.

Team President Dee Hughes said the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa administers the funds, mostly in $500 grants. A few examples of recent recipients include:

A woman who was eligible for Medicare to cover breast cancer bills, but was too weak to work enough hours to pay for groceries. A grant helped put food on the table.

A grant helped a 25-year-old breast cancer survivor attend a national conference on breast cancer.

An elderly man needed a biopsy of a breast and needed help covering expenses.

"The woman who couldn't work so many hours was in tears because she couldn't afford to buy food," Hughes said. "This helps us make a difference in lives."

Wendy Foote, who performs mammograms at United Medical Park, said one in seven women get breast cancer. It's recommended women get a mammogram at 40 and every year after. If breast cancer runs in the family, experts suggest women not wait that long.

Self examinations are also a key to prevention and survival. That's how Shelly Cornwell of Waterloo first discovered the disease.

The 50-year-old had a mammogram in November 2005 that revealed nothing. The following May, she found a lump in a breast. Doctors recommended mastectomy and chemotherapy. Eventually, the other breast was removed as a precaution.

Today, she's cancer free.

Cornwell participated Saturday to help raise awareness and money for a cause close to her heart.

"Make sure you do the self exam," Cornwell said. "You want to catch stuff early. … You got to fight."

Contact Matthew Wilde at

(319) 291-1579 or

matt.wilde@wcfcourier.com.