San Diego Community

For swimmer Deena Deardurff Schmidt, winning gold in the 1972 Munich Olympics pales in comparison to the victory of surviving breast cancer. This is part of the inspirational message the competitive athlete will deliver at The Santaluz Club on Tuesday, Oct. 7, for the fourth annual breast cancer awareness benefit luncheon and fashion show.

Schmidt, named Susan G. Komen for the Cure, San Diego’s 2008 Honorary Breast Cancer Survivor, is the keynote speaker for the fund-raising event at the private golf club, 8170 Caminto Santaluz East, in San Diego. While seating is limited, tickets are available to both Santaluz Club members and non-members. Tickets are $90 and benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. To reserve a ticket or to sponsor the event, call The Santaluz Club at 858-759-3120.

The Santaluz Club’s benefit event this year starts at 10 a.m. with a courtyard boutique showcasing sponsors Childish Couture, Marlo Yoshimoto Photography, Baby Kaed, Ta Dah Home Décor and Gifts, Emma’s Silver Jewelry and Donna Marsh fashions. Fairbanks Village Plaza is a sponsor of the event as well. High tea will follow at 11 a.m. with special staff and member dedications, and then Schmidt will tell of her experiences.

According to information from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization, Schmidt is a former swimming coach at San Diego State University, a 1972 Olympic gold medalist, and swimming world record holder. She was chosen in mid-July by Komen San Diego to serve throughout the year as an inspirational spokesperson to help raise awareness of breast cancer screening and education in San Diego County.

Since Schmidt has always maintained a healthy lifestyle and stayed in top physical shape, she was surprised to find a lump in her breast during a routine self breast exam. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 47, Schmidt said her life changed forever.

“I quickly learned that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate. It is a disease that can affect anyone regardless of age, race and physical stature,” said Schmidt, who underwent two lumpectomies, a mastectomy and chemotherapy for her breast cancer. The former Olympian’s undying determination, the support of her friends and family and the breast cancer resources and information available to her were driving forces in her fight against breast cancer.

“In the beginning I had thought, foolishly, that no one needed to know what I was up against, but when I learned that one in eight women would be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, I felt it was my duty to open up and share my story,” said Schmidt.  “I encourage women to use the resources and advice provided by medical professionals and organizations like Komen to educate themselves about early detection methods and available breast cancer screening and treatment options. These resources helped me in my battle against the disease, and to me, the victory of survivorship is a greater victory than winning Olympic gold.”

Tickets are available now for The Santaluz Club’s fourth annual breast cancer awareness benefit luncheon and fashion show on Oct. 7. Tickets are $90. Call The Santaluz Club at 858-759-3120.