Turning breast cancer survival into a marathon mission

When Ratina Hagedorn runs, she feels alive. 

Running has brought her joy, better health and a way to celebrate life after breast cancer. Now, Ratina is preparing for her biggest race yet: the 2027 New York City Marathon. She plans to mark 20 years of survivorship by running 26.2 miles and raising $20,000 for the Pink Lemonade Project, a nonprofit that supports people with breast cancer. 

But before Ratina became a runner, she had to make it through one of the hardest periods of her life. 

A change that could not be ignored 

Ratina was 40 when she noticed a visible lump and a change in the appearance of her breast. She had no known family history of breast cancer, and genetic testing did not find a clear BRCA gene mutation, which is linked to higher breast cancer risk. Still, she knew something was not right. 

Her provider ordered a mammogram, followed by a biopsy and an MRI. Ratina was diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer in 2007. 

“Waiting for the MRI results was the longest wait of my life,” she said. “I felt like my world was upside down.” 

Ratina began chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery. Her treatment also included lymph node removal, radiation and additional medication. She estimates that active treatment lasted about a year and a half. She worked intermittently through much of it, supported by her family, friends and coworkers. 

It was mentally and physically one of the worst times of my life. But I came out the other side. I want other people to know that they can, too.

Ratina

Screening becomes a family message 

When she was 35, Ratina received a baseline mammogram. She believes having those earlier images gave her care team an important point of comparison when she was diagnosed five years later. 

Ratina’s diagnosis changed how her family thought about screening. One of her sisters scheduled her first mammogram after Ratina’s diagnosis and learned she also had breast cancer, even though she had not noticed a lump. Another sister was diagnosed about 10 years later after finding a lump. Of Ratina’s three sisters, only one has remained cancer-free.

Their experiences strengthened Ratina’s belief in the importance of screening. 

Please see a doctor as soon as you notice something. Take action right away, and don’t put it off because of fear.

Ratina

Ratina’s story is also a reminder that screening can give people and their providers important information early. For many people assigned female at birth, mammograms begin at age 40, though some people may need to start earlier because of family history or other risk factors. Your provider can help you decide what is right for you. For CareOregon members, mammograms are covered at no cost.

Celebrating every year 

Cancer changed the way Ratina thinks about growing older. Before her diagnosis, she did not enjoy celebrating birthdays. Now, every birthday is a milestone. 

I'm 59, and I am celebrating every year that I’m here because I’m so lucky to be here. I earned those years.

Ratina

After treatment, Ratina began walking to improve her health. Walking became running, and she eventually completed her first half marathon without stopping to walk. She has since completed more races and is training for the New York City Marathon on Nov. 7, 2027. Her fundraising goal represents $1,000 for each of her 20 years of survivorship. 

For Ratina, the marathon is about more than reaching the finish line. It is a chance to help other people get mammograms, reach treatment and receive support during breast cancer care. 

Ratina will next be running a half-marathon in the Girlfriends Walk/Run on October 18 in Vancouver, Washington. You can help support Ratina and her running team, the Pink Diamonds, by running with them or just showing up to cheer them on. 

I'm grateful just to be here and to be healthy. I’m so grateful for the ability to run because it brings me so much joy.

Ratina

Schedule your screening 

Do not let fear keep you from getting information about your health. Talk with your provider about when you should receive a mammogram. 

CareOregon members who need help scheduling a screening can call Customer Service at 503-416-4100, toll-free 800-224-4840 or TTY 711, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.