TUPELO, Miss. - Every person who gathered at Harrisburg Baptist Church's Fellowship Hall Thursday (Oct. 22) had at least one thing in common:  whether they've been directly affected or watched a loved one fight the battle, they're all very familiar with breast cancer.

"It was a regular OB exam and it happened very quickly," Cancer Survivor Holly Rogers explains. "They sent me immediately the next day to the surgeon and they did a little biopsy and two days later I was having a mastectomy."

Three years cancer free.

Like so many other women in attendance, Holly Rogers is a survivor and that's what the luncheon is all about.

"This is a time that the survivors can get together before the race day," Vickie Arnold says. "A time to interact, to visit, and it shows how many survivors we have just in this area."

A Breast Health Specialist and co-organizer of the event, Vicki has been working with survivors for years. Last year she became one.

"It hit home. It hit home," she explains. "I could sympathize with my patients and the breast cancer survivors, but I can empathize now. Been there, done that."

On Saturday (Oct. 24) they will all put on their running shoes and race for a cure. They'll do it to celebrate the lives of hundreds of survivors and those who've passed on, plus they'll be raising funds for research and education.

"Be aware. You should do the self breast exams and have a yearly mammogram because it can sneak up on you," Holly says. "It's a scary thing when they tell you that you have breast cancer."

The 2009 Komen North Mississippi Race for the Cure 5K run/walk and the 1 Mile Fun Run will be held at Tupelo's Mall at Barnes Crossing on Saturday, October 24th, at 8:00am.