Breast Cancer Survivor Participates in Komen BigWigs Fundraising Campaign

By Leslie Cranford, Media Relations Coordinator

Bigwig [ˈbigˌwig ] (noun): an important person, usually in a particular sphere; synonym: VIP · (very) important person.

Komen BigWig (noun): a very important person on a mission to end breast cancer forever by raising awareness and funds in their community; willing to have fun while wearing a ridiculous pink wig.

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Courtney Line spends her work days as an instructional designer for Texas Tech eLearning & Academic Partnerships. At 35 years old and mother to a 2-year-old, she found a lump in her breast, a full five years before the suggested age to begin having mammograms. After a visit to her doctor, a mammogram and an ultrasound, they determined her tumor was highly suspicious. "A week later I had a biopsy, and two weeks later I was diagnosed with Stage 1 ER+ breast cancer," Courtney said. "I was diagnosed November 21, 2017, two days before Thanksgiving. I had surgery January 12, started chemo March 12 (lost my hair 16 days later), finished chemo July 23, started radiation Aug 28, and finished radiation September 19, 2018."

Courtney says because of her age, she will have to have ovarian suppression injections monthly for five years and take a daily immunotherapy drug for 10 years.

Now, she is one of many area women and men taking part in the Komen West Texas BigWigs campaign.

BigWigs engages local corporate and community leaders as representatives in the fight against breast cancer. During the 3-week campaign, each BigWig is challenged to raise or donate a minimum of $3,500, which is used to ensure access to essential breast health services and education programs, and support research to find the cures for breast cancer. Through this program, 75 percent of funds raised remain in local West Texas communities to help fund local breast cancer initiatives.

"From the moment I found the lump I prayed it wasn't cancer," Courtney said. "But that if it was, God would use me to share my joy; that I would be able to inspire and encourage others through my journey.

"Though it was hard and at times I was so weary (I continued to work throughout my whole treatment), I was determined to stand strong, keep a smile on my face, and be a warrior with a will to survive! Though I know we all face our battles differently, my biggest advice is to stand strong and be positive! The journey is hard, but the reward is so wonderful. I say all the time that I was blessed by breast cancer, not diagnosed!"

View Courtney's BigWigs page.

 

 

 Courtney Line sports her BigWig in support of Komen