Stories of Survival: Mother, daughter fight cancer, race for the cure Saturday

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A sea of pink will soon fill downtown Columbus raising awareness, supporting those diagnosed, and remembering the lives lost to breast cancer.

The Komen Columbus Race For The Cure is coming up this Saturday. Among the thousands of participants will be a mother and daughter who know all too well what it means to be a survivor.

Deana Mackin was 44 years old when she noticed a lump on her breast. It was a busy time in her life, and she initially brushed it off.

"To feel mine, it hurt to touch it. So I dismissed it as it hurts to touch it so it can't be." said Deanna. "So, I did dismiss it. Truly, I did."

Months later, she finally got it checked and found out it was cancer. That diagnosis led to a mastectomy and a new chapter in life as a survivor. At the time, her daughter, Katelyn Dougan was in college and even though Deanna's cancer wasn't genetic, it made Katelyn think about her own future and risk.

"It was always on my mind. I was always trying to be vigilant about checking, doing my self-checks and everything," said Katelyn.

Katelyn had even discussed with her husband what she would do if one day she was diagnosed with cancer. Then at 34, she noticed a lump and knew she had to act, and she thanks God that she did.

"I sat with my doctor and my husband said, 'you know if we hadn't caught this, what would look things look like'? and the doctor said it would spread through my body in three to six months," said Katelyn. "Three to six months. You don't forget hearing something like that."

Through it all, Katelyn has shared her story in the hopes of helping others.

"I told myself if it ever came to me, I was going to be open and honest. I was going to try to share my faith and what was getting me through," said Katelyn.

To read more about Katelyn's journey visit here. To participate in the 2024 Komen Race For the Cure this Saturday click here for race day information.