Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, October 17, 2008

Triathlete unwilling to give in to cancer

 Traci Winn of Langley, 46, tested positive for both breast cancer and a breast cancer gene, which involves a higher chance of recurrence. Her treatment included six surgeries in all, including a double mastectomy and hysterectomy. She was nominated by Mary Dettrich of Freeland, who wrote this essay:

"Triathletes! We had just finished our first triathlon, ironically the Danskin Breast Cancer Triathlon and had been able to utter the unfathomable words, 'We are triathletes!' This was a huge step for four housewives, moms and working moms; all titles we had assumed because of our obligations to others.

"We were emerging to find ourselves again, a new healthy direction for all of us. We wanted to be stronger and healthier, but, more importantly, role models for other women and our daughters. A few short months later, it all changed. The youngest and possibly strongest among us, Traci, had a new word to add to her newfound self-description: cancer patient. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. How could this happen just as she was becoming the strongest, healthiest and fittest of her adult life? Unwilling to give in to cancer Traci continued to stay focused on her fitness goals, dug in her heels and refused to give up.

"Her prognosis seemed good, as her cancer had been caught early. She was determined to fight. Traci's mother had fought a battle with breast cancer years earlier. The doctors suggested that she be tested for a particular gene to determine if she would have a high chance of recurrence.

"The news was bad. She carried the gene meaning that if she was successful in beating the cancer this time she would have to live with an overwhelming chance of a recurrence of breast or even uterine cancer. On the advice of her doctors, she would have a double mastectomy and hysterectomy.

"We were terrified for her, but Traci was brave for all of us, especially her family. Her mantra was, 'It could be worse.' It went from bad to worse. What was supposed to be completed in a few months, turned into a nightmare with month after month of complications, disappointing results, tubes in and out again and again, and what seemed like hundreds of doctor appointments and five surgeries.

"Traci had registered for the Danskin Triathlon, but as one complication after another arose she saw her dream of participating fade away. She did not sit home filled with self-pity, but instead supported her friends. She was there for us though she could not be there herself. When we ran races, she was at the finish line. She encouraged friends and family members to train and compete in her spot. When physically she couldn't be there, she supported us through phone calls and other crazy antics.

"For one of the triathlons she dressed a Barbie doll in a homemade triathlon suit and sent her to us as her substitute. Though it must have been difficult she refused to think of herself first and spent her time trying to keep life normal for her two daughters and her husband.

"She made laughter and love prevail during this difficult time. I am thrilled to say that this year Traci will again be participating in the Danskin Triathlon, but this year she will be in a select group as a cancer survivor. She will do it with just one reconstructed breast to be followed up by yet another surgery after the race.

"Traci spends her time talking to women just starting the battle. She is a role model for all women who are facing breast cancer."
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA