Debbie Kise

You’ll find Debbie Kise, 57, of Lehigh Acres, ready to take part in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on March 12 at the Coconut Point shopping complex. She’s a cancer survivor and plans to work with her husband, daughter and son-law, to raise money that will help cancer patients in Lee County. Kise, 57, lives on South Lake Drive in Lehigh with her husband, Skeeter and her daughter, Tiffani Skinner.

The fund raised by the Komen Southwest Florida Race for the Cure will use 75 percent of the proceeds received from sponsors locally while the remainder goes to the American Cancer Society for groundbreaking research. Kise said she plans to take the one-mile fun walk and team up with the Lee Memorial Health Systems where she says there will be 30 or more walking, along with her family and her son-in law, Christopher Graham.

The Komen Race for the Cure is one of the largest fund-raisers in Lee County to raise money for those with cancer and others who walk on behalf of helping to find a cure. Many are cancer survivors. The money comes from sponsors of the walkers and from several area businesses.

Kise may also walk in the Relay for Life cancer fundraiser in Lehigh, too.

But today her thoughts are on the Komen Race for the Cure, a one-day event that begins at 7 a.m. She said last year, more than 12,000 people marked for the Komen Race for the Cure.

Kiser Family: Debbie Kise is shown with her husband, Skeeter, and her daughter, Tiffani, at their home in Lehigh. Debbie Kise will participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on March 12 at the Coconut Point shopping complex. Photo by Mel Toadvine

Kise was diagnosed in November of 2009 and told that she had Carcinoma, a form of breast cancer. She said she felt a lump on the left side of her breast and kept it to herself for a while before she sought saw a doctor.

Not only was the news hard on Kise, but her husband said it hit him hard and he wondered what he would do if he lost her.

But thanks to extensive treatment, doctors said they believed they got most of the cancer removed during surgery. She said doctors told her they removed tissue areas involving 19 lymph nodes. However, there may be some issues because two weeks ago, doctors found another lump through a scan.

She is beginning treatment and looks well and has the determination to beat it again.

“You have to think positive and get proper medical treatment,” she said.

But for the Kise family, her first bout of cancer was highly costly especially since the family did not have any health insurance.

But Kise gives credit to Dara Leichter, who she says is a patient navigator at Lee County Health Systems. She said she calls the woman her “guardian angel,” because she was able to find a grant that helped pay for her medical treatment.

“It’s really hard when you find out you have something like cancer and you have no means to pay for the treatment, which is very expensive,” Kise said.

“Anyone who needs financial help should locate her and she will do what she can to help out,” Kise said. “She is truly my guardian angel and she is such a compassionate person, too. I dearly love her for her help.”

On Race Day, March 12 registration begins at 6:30 a.m. At 10 a.m., there will be a closing ceremony survivor tribute and a photo taken of the group. The public is invited to the event.

Kise has advice for other women.

“Start doing self- examinations of your breasts as a young woman and continue throughout your life. If you feel a lump, don’t ignore it, see a doctor immediately. She also noted that men are not immune to breast cancer and should examine their chest area and if they detect lumps, seek medical treatment. And as for mammograms, she suggests women have one every year.

Meanwhile, the Relay for Life of Lehigh 2011 is scheduled over two days. Opening ceremonies are at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 with a “survivor lap” to follow opening ceremonies. There will be a luminaries ceremony at 9 p.m. on Saturday night with the closing ceremony at 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 17, 2011.

Those who wish to participate should contact the American Cancer Society in Fort Myers. The phone number is 239-936-1113. They will tell you how to obtain forms to be filled out and returned. For the Lehigh event, the best way to become involved may be to go online at: www.relayforlife.org/lehighfl. It will give you all the information you need to register for the Lehigh Relay for Life.

Also, there is a Life Golf Tournament on March 12 at Majestic Golf Course on Homestead Rd. The cost per person is $69.

Jim Wallin, golf tournament chairman is asking for donations for hole sponsors. He said everyone, including former and current cancer patients, their families and the public are invited to take part in the team relay event. He said teams consist of individuals representing corporations, clubs, organizations and families.

For more information about the golf tournament, call Wallin at 239-218-0788