The morning after the much talked about HEAT benefit celebration for the new Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at Southampton Hospital at photographer Steven Klein's estate, supporters and survivors gathered for the 14th Annual Ellen's Run. The 5K race/walk, is a family event to benefit breast cancer patient support services.

Over 1100 runners participated in the race, which began at Parrish Hall at Southampton Hospital, and over 48 breast cancer survivors crossed the finish line. Each year, survivors receive a pink bandanna upon registration, and handed a pink rose, donated this year by local florist- Dutch Petals, when they cross the finish line. "They are the heroes," remarked Julie Ratner, Ellen Hermanson's sister and chair of The Ellen Hermanson Foundation, upon sharing the event details with me, adding, "I think we are all really here to have a good time. I like to think of it as a giant family raising money for support services."

Ms. Ratner informed me that it was the first time Ellen's Run had taken place in Southampton, and she couldn't have been more pleased. "Incredible... it was a beautiful race course and a perfect day."

Ellen Hermanson, who lost her battle to the disease April 11, 1995 at the age of 42, cared about educational outreach, psychosocial support, and pain management. Ms. Ratner said that one of the most prudent things her sister told her was, "People in my position, don't have time to have their days compromised by pain."

Thus, in honor of her courage and voice, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation is unique in its commitment to helping breast cancer patients and their families cope with the changing nature of the physical and emotional aspects of breast cancer.

In two weeks, Ellen's daughter, Leora, will be turning 21 (she was 6 yrs old when Ellen passed). Leora, which translates to "my light" in Hebrew, is a psychology major senior at Wesleyan. "She is our light, " Ms. Ratner stated, "she is a fabulous young woman. Amazing, beautiful, and smart... she was always the kindest kid too. If anyone was ever left out, she would bring that person in, even if they weren't cool. She's always had a tremendous empathy, patience and wisdom that far exceeded her years. Her mother always made her come first."

Ms. Ratner went on to tell me that even when Ellen was in the hospital, she always made sure Leora knew the "drill for the day", so she would never have any anxiety about who was going to pick her up from school, who was going to take care of her. "I think that is a gift she inherited from my sister. Knowledge, wisdom, and insight. What takes most of us, including myself, a long time to learn."

I believe Ms. Ratner has given us all a gift by bringing Ellen's vision and determination to address an aspect of breast cancer, that doesn't get as much attention or funding as research, to the forefront of treatment approach.

Through Julie Ratner's devotion and dedication, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation has helped so many families and has touched so many lives with love, respect, and understanding.

Sponsors: Self Magazine, Bloomberg, ISA Advertising, Entemman's, Bridgehampton National Bank, Liv Vodka, Panera Bread, Sotheby's, Southampton Inn, Sparkling Pointe, Modell's, Ocean Printing, WBAZ, and WEHM.

*Photo 1 by Jesse Newhouse

*Photo 2 courtesy of Ellen's Run: Ellen Hermanson

*Photo 3-4 by Jesse Newhouse