Michelle Bergh

Everyone seems to know about the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  And everyone knows that breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women.  In fact, it's the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in women, and every 74 seconds, someone dies from this terrible disease.   When I was 8, I acted in a play with a girl my age named Grace.  Her mom was also in the play.  Not many months after the play, my friend lost her mother to breast cancer.   I went to the funeral and will never forget how sad Grace and her younger siblings were.  No one should have to lose their mother at such a young age! 

In 2012, one of my mom's best friends since childhood also died from breast cancer.  A pageant friend of mine is also currently suffering as well as the mother of another pageant friend.   In fact, 1 in 8 women get breast cancer.  So, of course, I'm heavily involved. 

Each year it's been held, I've participated in the Susan G. Komen Fundraising Dinners that were held at Crave's Restaurant at the Mall of America or Pinz in Edina the night before the races AND the "Race for the Cure" walks that were held the next day.  I have so much fun volunteering for them each year that I'm sure it will be an annual tradition!  

While I started raising money and doing the walks individually with my mom after my friend's mom died, I told everyone I know about the walks.  In 2011, I organized my first  team of 5 people to help raise funds and do the walk with me. The event was a big success, and I personally raised over $1100 and was the top fund-raiser on my team!  At the fundraising dinner, the woman who organized that event, Patty Clark, came over and personally thanked me for raising so much money at such a young age.  I later found out that I was one of the top fundraisers out of over 50,000, and I've continued to be a top fundraiser since then for every year I've participated!!

In 2011, I organized a team of 8 people and called it "Queens & Friends for a Cure".  If someone wasn't a Queen, but was a "Queen at Heart" and wanted to wear a crown and banner, they borrowed them from me.   We had a great time walking together & we all celebrated at Subway afterwards.   Our team was one of the top teams of the event!  That year, I personally raised over $2000 for them and was the 14th highest fundraiser out of over 50,000 fund raisers!

In 2012, I organized a team of 9, and I once again had the honor of being one of the Pink Honor Roll top fundraisers!  We again went to Subway after the race, and then spent time on the Nickelodean rides.

In 2013, I had an even bigger team of 13!   It's just tradition now that my mom treats us all to Subway after the race!

 In 2014, I had a two teams (one from my school), with a total of 30 people.  That was my biggest team.  

 I've continued to organize teams every year, but I also volunteer in other ways as well.

Below: At a fundraiser for my friend, Donnell Rank, one of the many women struggling with breast cancer.  She was also a keynote speaker at one of my talent show/fundraisers.   She is one of the reasons I raise money for the cause!  I was the highest bidder on 8 of the baskets at this event!

Below:  2012 Susan G. Komen pre-race fundraising dinner with Nikki Doyle 

 Below:  2011 pre-race fundraising dinner with my BFF's Angela and Katrina.

Below:  2010 pre-race fundraising dinner with a breast cancer survivor!

Susan G. Komen Dinner  2010

Susan G. Komen Walk 2010