By: Jenna Rehnstrom
jrehnstrom@kcautv.com
One of the most popular local fundraisers for breast cancer screening and education hits the ice next weekend. Pink in the Rink is a fan favorite and a special night for breast cancer survivors.
It's such a simple thing: a night of hockey and a lot of pink. But for survivors, it's a big deal – a chance to feel the love and support of their community. And Patti Strong, for one, couldn't be more excited.
After meeting Patti Strong, it's clear she's not your typical cancer patient. After talking to Patti, it's clear she's heard that before.
"I've been told recently that I'm very strong–willed (laughs)."
Patti, who grew up in Sioux City, was devastated to receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
But, she decided right away that she would control what came next, And the cancer would not win.
"I didn't want someone else making decisions for me – I have a science background, I'm very curious – and I wanted to explore all of my options and then have it be solely my choice," Patti says.
So, Patti took a less traditional route with her treatment – an approach aimed at "breast conservation." After being diagnosed with breast cancer in April, she did chemo first - to shrink the tumor, then a surgeon went in to get whatever cancer was left.
"But, I can happily say, as of last Friday, that the surgeon's words were 'I found no cancer.'"
Patti will still undergo radiation and she knows she's not in the clear quite yet, but in the meantime, she's living live with an enthusiasm that's contagious.
"Ahhhh! (laughs) I'm excited, I'm excited!"
Patti squeals with delight when she talks about her upcoming role in breast cancer awareness night at the Sioux City Musketeers. And it's clear sometimes it's the simplest things, that touch others the most.
"It's a wave that you suddenly start riding on when you're diagnosed and you start to connect with other women that are going through it and have gone through it and it's this sea of love and support and encouragement and it has an energy of its own," Patti comments.
Giving women like Patti the strength to be survivors.
Patti will be riding the zamboni at Pink in the Rink on Saturday, October 27th. You can buy tickets at the Tyson Events Center Box Office.
And, this year's Pink in the Rink T–shirt is already on–sale. Here's where you can get them:
St. Luke's Glass Apple Gift Shop
St. Luke's Imaging and Breast Screening Center
St. Luke's Home Care
Clear Channel Radio
Great Clips--Morningside
Hy-Vee Drugstore
Kosama
Area Pump 'N' Paks 
