Pamela Ridgway is a three-time breast cancer survivor. First diagnosed in 1994, her mission ever since has been to increase awareness, funding and support within the community.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure. The national organization was founded in 1982 by Nancy Brinker, in memory of her sister Susan. It now boasts 120 affiliate organizations pledging to help reduce breast cancer mortality rates and find a cure for the disease.

Ridgway, who lives in Kirkland, originally attended a luncheon for breast cancer survivors hosted by Race for the Cure. She has been volunteering for the event since 2003, including serving three years on the Puget Sound affiliate’s board of directors.

“I’m a true believer in education and early detection,” said Ridgway, who underwent a double mastectomy in 2000. “We do a lot of work in areas that are underserved. I’m proud to be a part of that.”

Breast cancer has never and will never discourage her from staying active and living life to the fullest, she said. She has completed 13 marathons and more than 50 half marathons, while also enjoying long distance cycling and competitive tennis.

Her active lifestyle is also a crucial part of her business. Marathon Health and Wellness functions as an education and coaching service for those looking to improve their diet, fitness and overall health. Ridgway says breast cancer is just one of those things she has had to deal with in her life.

Seventy-five percent of the Puget Sound affiliate’s net income is spent in the community, funding mammogram screenings, outreach and treatment and better education, while 25 percent supports research. This year, the organization has been awarded $2.9 million in grants and has provided care to 35,200 individuals.

Jim Clunes is the communication manager for Puget Sound’s Race for the Cure. He will be attending the event for the second time.

“It’s more than just a race,” he said. “It’s also an opportunity for survivors to come together. … It’s very emotional, but also a lot of fun. It’s just a great event.”

Two of Clunes’ dearest friends are breast cancer survivors and he feels that everyone has been affected by breast cancer in some way.

Marie Strohmayer is among those who have ties to the disease. After her aunt died of breast cancer, her mother began having routine check-ups and was diagnosed for the first time in 2008, in Strohmayer’s final year of high school.

“It was really important she got checked up early,” Strohmayer said. “With my aunt, they found it really late. They didn’t know as much about breast cancer back then.”

She cautions against giving credence to any stigmas associated with breast cancer. While lung cancer, for example, is intrinsically linked with smoking, breast cancer should not be blamed on lifestyle choice or unhealthy behaviors of any sort.

Strohmayer is encouraged by the work that the Komen Foundation is doing.

“It’s really important,” she said. “You have to keep funding if you want to find a cure.”

Community members can show support by taking part in the 5k or 1-mile race on June 2 at Seattle Center. For more information visit www.komenpugetsound.org.

Ruth Whyman is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.