Breast Cancer Survivor Creates Stride for a Cure in Arkansas

When Dr. Kim Leverett found a small nodule under her arm 14 years ago, she didn't wait for her scheduled mammogram. That decision to get checked immediately led to a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis that would eventually change hundreds of lives.

Leverett was raising two teenage daughters, ages 13 and 15, when she heard the words no one wants to hear. "I was numb, and then I was like, 'This is not happening,'" she recalls.

Her husband, family, church and faith carried her through treatment. As she recovered and shared her story, she connected with other survivors who understood the journey.

Those connections sparked an idea. With her background in health and fitness and her personal experience with breast cancer, Leverett created Stride for a Cure three years ago.

The Little Rock event focuses on breast cancer awareness, early detection and community support. It also fills a void left when the longtime Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure ended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, about 1,200 people participated. Leverett hopes that number will grow when the event returns on October 3 at 521 President Clinton Avenue.

The event welcomes everyone to run, walk or volunteer. Participants gather to support survivors, remember loved ones lost to the disease, and raise awareness about screening.

The Ripple Effect

This year's event expands its impact with the UAMS Cancer Institute bringing its mammography van on site. The mobile screening unit provides another opportunity for women to access the potentially life-saving test.

CARTI serves as the platinum sponsor, and the Arkansas Cancer Coalition will benefit from the event's net proceeds. That means every registration and every dollar raised extends support beyond the single day.

The American Cancer Society reports that about one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. For Leverett, that statistic represents real people who need real support.

"I have a passion to help others and let them know that it will be OK, and to get treatment and early detection," Leverett says. Her message goes beyond hope to action.

She wants participants and volunteers to celebrate together, but also to pay attention to their bodies and share that awareness with others. One small nodule led her to early detection, and early detection can save lives.

Registration is now open at strideforacurelr.org for anyone ready to stride toward a future where breast cancer is caught early and no one faces the journey alone.