UToledo Health Employee, Cancer Survivor Leading Komen Race for the Cure Team

UToledo Health Employee, Cancer Survivor Leading Komen Race for the Cure Team

When Elaine Rogge participates in her first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event on Sept. 29, she'll be doing so as a cancer survivor.

Rogge, who works in the patient access department at The University of Toledo Medical Center, was diagnosed late last year with breast cancer.

After receiving treatment at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center, Rogge is cancer free - and serving as captain of UTMC's Rocket to a Cure team for the 2024 Komen Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure.

"I'm excited to race and be there with all the other survivors. It brings you a little closer together and more thankful for how things turned out," she said. "I get to be one of the lucky ones who can tell my story. Some people don't have that opportunity. It's going to be meaningful for me."

Rogge's story began when she found a suspicious lump on her breast last November. Tests confirmed the lump was cancer.

Though her tumor was aggressive, it had been caught early. Following a lumpectomy and preventative radiation and chemotherapy, Rogge was officially deemed cancer-free in June.

As she reflects on her treatment, she's extremely grateful for the care she received at UToledo Health.

"The staff is beyond excellent. They make you feel so comfortable. The doctors answer any and all questions and they talk to you at your level to make sure you understand everything," she said. "It's a great big team effort with the Dana. Everybody there is wonderful."

Rogge was so pleased with her care that she agreed to be featured in a new television commercial promoting UToledo Health's cancer care.

"I wanted to promote the cancer center as an employee and a patient because they are so wonderful," she said. "I wouldn't have done this if I hadn't had such a positive experience. We have a great cancer center, and I'm glad to help tell that story."

Rogge also hopes her story will encourage others to keep up on their annual mammogram screenings and to pay attention to their own bodies.

"If you feel that there's something odd, call your doctor as soon as possible. It can save your life," she said. "We caught mine early, but it came out of nowhere."

The 2024 Komen Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure will be held Sunday, Sept. 29, in downtown Toledo. Individuals can donate or join the Rocket to a Cure team via the Susan G. Komen website.