Column

A survivor, driven on a mission in pink

By ERNEST HOOPER
Published October 3, 2007

Linda Davis wheels to work in a sporty car every day.

When she pulls into the parking lot, co-workers at Superior Uniform Group in Largo see her in a black convertible Ford Mustang with pink trim and charcoal leather seats.

But make no mistake, this is a story of style and substance.

Davis drives a limited-edition Mustang specifically designed for breast cancer survivors. She had a partial mastectomy last October after being diagnosed a day after her 48th birthday. She celebrates her survival, because others don't get that chance.

"There's too many people who don't live to tell about it," Davis says. "It's not only women. It's men and women. I was just one of the fortunate ones because it was caught very, very early."

Ford's special "Warriors in Pink" package includes a pink ribbon and Pony fender badge, pink Mustang rocker tape striping, charcoal leather seats with pink stitching, an aluminum-spoke steering wheel with pink stitching and charcoal floor mats with pink ribbon and contrast stitching.

A portion of each sale goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Ford hopes to raise more than $500,000 this year through the sale of the cars and related items.

Davis and her husband, Sam Sr., first spotted the Mustang on the Internet (www.fordcares.com) and fell in love with it. Davis loved Mustangs and once owned a classic '68 model. One Sunday in July, they strolled into Walker Ford in Clearwater and saw the car.

"It's really something special to us," Davis says.

Even more special is the support she received from friends and family after the diagnosis. Davis got the call from the doctor's office and began to cry a little bit.

"But then I pulled myself together and said, 'What do I do now?'" Davis says. "I did a lot of reading to find out what to expect, but your friends and family and co-workers are your best thing. I just had so much support from them."

Davis now gives back to help others. She and her husband will walk in Saturday's Komen Race for the Cure 5K at Vinoy Park. More important, race officials will use her car to lead the pack.

Davis is just happy to be a part of the event.

"I was lucky," she says. "Doctors found mine in a mammogram. Now I tell all my co-workers, 'Go get your mammogram.'"

* * *

Kevin Coward and his 4-year-old son Chris will serve as honorary chairmen for this year's Race for the Cure. They carry on a mission started by Kevin's wife, Carolyn, named honorary chairwoman in January but who died in March.

Friends describe Carolyn, who taught special needs students at Lecanto High, as a tireless worker for the cause. She was known for her generosity and outgoing personality.

Since her death, Kevin, a teacher at Tampa's Alexander Elementary, has made it his mission to share his family's story, educate people on early detection and encourage the fight for a cure.

I look forward to a day when his mission is complete.

That's all I'm saying.

If you go

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg

8 a.m. Saturday

For more information: www.komensuncoast.com

[Last modified October 2, 2007, 23:34:43]