Breast Cancer Survivors Go the Extra Mile at Tulane 5K

A Breast Cancer Diagnosis between routine Mammogram Screenings gave New Orleans resident Helane Chevis a new perspective on the importance of listening to her body and advocating for her health. Chevis joined more than 1,000 participants at Tulane Cancer Center’s Wave Makers 5K on Sunday, Oct. 18th, in Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana, to support continued Cancer Research.

“It is not only important to listen to your doctors, but, also, you have to listen to your body and advocate for yourself,” Chevis said. “It made everything much more important, so now, instead of certain things being optional, they are necessary.”

Black women are 38% more likely than White women nationwide to die from Breast Cancer, according to a 2025 study from the American Cancer Society.

The need for continued Cancer Research was a central focus of Tulane Cancer Center’s Wave Makers 5K, where survivors like Chevis joined supporters to raise money for research in New Orleans.

Participants could join teams to represent the different Cancer Awareness Campaigns and received ribbons that corresponded to their team’s color. Among them were Team Pink, representing Breast Cancer, and Team Purple, representing Gynecologic Cancers, which include cancers of the ovaries, cervix and uterus.

“We support research across all cancers, and the funds raised here will stay right here in the New Orleans community,” said Seanna Falconer, Executive Director of the Tulane Cancer Center. “What we are doing here is putting our money where our mouth is,” Falconer added.

Also a Breast Cancer Survivor, Falconer speaks from experience about the role research plays in cancer today.

“It got caught on a regular screening mammogram back in 2022 and I am here today because of research,” Falconer said. “What I had 10 years ago, they would have played me with Chemotherapy, but the new research on my tumor type only caused me to have radiation and a little surgery, thankfully,” Falconer said.

Falconer said progress in Cancer Treatment requires real-world translation, with questions from patients and communities informing laboratory research and research findings informing patient care. Researchers and clinicians who attended the event had an opportunity to hear directly from cancer survivors and advocates about their experiences.

Although this event focused on raising money for Cancer Research, survivors and supporters also emphasized the importance of community support.

“I ran out here to have fun and support Cancer Research first and foremost,” said Brandon Harness from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “We need to stay supportive, strong and positive for whoever has cancer and keep a positive outlook as much as possible to encourage them,” Harness said.

Chevis said that support was particularly important for patients who struggled to advocate for themselves during treatment.