Inspiring breast cancer fundraising efforts often begin with a personal story. Lisa Chauhan’s fundraising journey began following her own shocking breast cancer diagnosis in 2021. Her determination and creativity led her to raise more than $14,000 for her local MORE THAN PINK Walk and join a community of fellow survivors and supporters dedicated to ending breast cancer forever.
In June 2021, Lisa Chauhan was busy celebrating her oldest son’s graduation from high school and preparing to send him off to college. When the appointment for her annual mammogram rolled around, she expected it to go just as it had in the years before.
“I went in as usual and had the mammogram and ultrasound – my doctor recommends I have both because I have dense breasts – and was just waiting for the radiologist to come in to give me the all clear, but that didn’t happen,” she said.
A Life-Changing Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Instead, the radiologist requested more images for review. Lisa began to worry when they explained that she needed additional testing that she began to worry.
“They said they didn’t know what it was, but that there was something showing up that needed to be investigated further.”
She had a biopsy the following day. Following the biopsy, Lisa had a breast MRI, which confirmed her worst fear: she had breast cancer.
“At first they thought it was stage 0, but then after the MRI, they confirmed it was stage 2,” she said. “I was in disbelief. It just kept getting more and more intense.”
Lisa researched her treatment options. Because the tumors were small, she opted for a lumpectomy, followed by 29 rounds of radiation.
“I had the option of chemotherapy, but the results of my tumor profiling test showed that I was at a low risk for the cancer spreading, so I chose not to have chemotherapy,” she said.
“The radiation was intense. The last few sessions left me burnt and fatigued, but I have a great support system of family and friends that helped keep my mood up.”
Finding Purpose Through the MORE THAN PINK Walk
After her treatment ended, a friend asked if she planned to participate in Komen’s West Palm Beach MORE THAN PINK Walk. “At that point, I hadn’t really thought about it,” Lisa said. “But I decided to go all in and form a team, invite people to join and start fundraising.”
She raised just over $3,000 in 2022, and she doubled it in 2023. “Social media is where I find the most success with my fundraising,” she said. “Our Walk is in January, so I wait until the holidays are over, and then my strategy is to post every day to remind people to donate and why Komen is so important to the breast cancer community.”
The Power of Community and Friendly Competition
In 2024, Lisa participated in a 24-hour fundraising challenge for the Walk. The fundraiser who secured the most donations within the challenge period earned a $500 donation from MORE THAN PINK Walk national presenting sponsor Bank of America.
Lisa soon found herself engaged in a friendly competition with fellow breast cancer survivor Jessica Patykula. The women led the challenge, often swapping positions on the leaderboard as the day went on.
“My strategy was simple; I went through my phone and texted all of my contacts, asking them to make a donation,” Lisa said. “Then, when I ran out of contacts in my phone, I went to Facebook and began sending messages. The support of my community and the Komen staff gave me the inspiration to keep going.”
The challenge ended with Jessica earning the most donations, with Lisa coming in a close second. “I was so inspired by her that on the day of the Walk, I gave her a card and a hug,” Lisa said. “It was just so great to have somebody to compete with and encourage me.”
Looking Ahead: Walking for Hope and Gratitude
In 2024, Lisa raised more than $14,000 and earned recognition as a top fundraiser. She’s registered for the 2025 West Palm Beach MORE THAN PINK Walk, on Saturday, Jan. 25, and looks forward to celebrating with the breast cancer community. “It’s a different experience once you are a survivor,” she said. “I feel so grateful to be here and able to walk for those who can’t or aren’t here with us because of this terrible disease.”
The West Palm Beach MORE THAN PINK Walk is one of 49 fundraising walks held across the U.S. each year. Money raised supports Komen’s comprehensive, 360-degree approach to ending breast cancer through funding research, providing care, taking action and unifying communities. To find a MORE THAN PINK Walk in your area, visit komen.org/walk.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.