It is a journey they never expected to share, the battle against breast cancer. A local mother and daughter have faced the journey together. They have shared the same surgeon, the same pain and sorrow, even discovered their cancer on the same date and it's not just any date. But this mother and daughter also have shared hope for the future! Get ready to meet one dynamic duo. Carol Riley and Alicia Ledington share more than most mothers and daughters. They also share a special bond to fight the enemy, breast cancer. No sooner had Carol ended her treatments, Alicia was about to begin hers. They swap pictures and stories about their own personal and shared battle against breast cancer. Alicia is still in the midst of her fight. Carol shares cards, and gifts from friends who helped pull her through. Alicia gathers pictures and copies of her blog detailing her journey doing battle with breast cancer is a family affair. She just wrapped up her last chemo treatment, had a double mastectomy and is preparing for reconstructive surgery. Her mother had a single mastectomy and is now in remission. Cancer found in the same breast as her mother's, the same location. Strange similarities they say but there are big differences. Alicia has only been married six years and at 27 was ready to start a family. Alicia and her husband Chad, were told chemo could decimate her chances of conceiving on her own. So as they prepared for a bon voyage party for her breasts their friends turned it into a egg harvesting party to raise money for the couple. Money to store fertilized eggs for the future and a loving family with Carol's husband and Alicia's father helping to weather the storm. Alicia's older sister is cancer free, they're hoping breast cancer is a family tradition that stops here. Cancer may weaken the body but it’s only strengthened the love and bond of a mother and daughter. We'll be thinking of people like Alicia and Carol Saturday at the Race for the Cure. It’s that spirit and courage you will see on countless faces tomorrow at Waterfront Park. The race starts at 9:00 a.m. and this year's course will take runners and walkers across the 2nd Street Bridge. If you still haven't registered to race, you can do that Saturday morning. Registration starts at 6:45 a.m. For more information, you can call 584-CURE or visit www.komenlouisville.org.
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