DEARBORN - Ford Market Representation Specialist Robin Glover will never forget the moment her doctor told her she had breast cancer.

“When you get that diagnosis, you don’t hear anything,” she said.  “My whole body went numb, and it wasn’t until I got in my car and was driving home that it really sunk in what was about to happen to me.”

Glover fought an arduous two-year battle with the disease that included a partial lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation.  Today, at age 46, she is cancer-free and counts herself among the nearly 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. 

“Cancer is not a death sentence,” she said.  “Early detection is key, and there are great advances in medicine that are helping improve the lives of many people with the disease.” 

Glover hopes to inspire her Ford colleagues to join in the fight against breast cancer by speaking at Ford Warriors in Pink Day, which will be held tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. in the southwest parking lot at Ford World Headquarters (WHQ).  A motorcycle brigade – complete with Warriors in Pink drummers – will lead employees in a symbolic walk around WHQ.  Employees also will have an opportunity to pick up their Race packets, enter a gift basket drawing, bid on auction items, purchase Warriors in Pink merchandise, have their photograph taken and get spray tattoos of Warriors in Pink symbols. 

In addition to taking part in Warriors in Pink Day at WHQ, Glover also plans to spread her message of hope by participating in the 20th annual Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 21, at Comerica Park. 

“I’ve always been part of the Ford team supporting the cause, but I was never personally affected before,” she said.  “Just being among all the patients, survivors and family members will be amazing.” 

Ford’s support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has spanned 17 years.  To date, the company has dedicated more than $110 million to the cause. 

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure – working to both raise awareness of and end breast cancer,” said Nick Smither, Ford group vice president and chief information officer who also serves as corporate chairperson for this year’s Detroit Race for the Cure.  “It’s really fantastic to see so many Ford people involved in planning, participating and volunteering to support the race.” 

According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, more than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year in the U.S. and nearly 40,000 will die from the disease.

Glover – who has been with Ford for 17 years – credits her recovery to early detection and the support of her family and friends, especially her co-workers at Ford who formed a group in her honor called “Robin’s Wings.”  In addition to walking beside their friend in the Detroit Race for the Cure, group members raised more than $3,800 that will be donated in her name to support breast cancer research and education.  

“The name ‘Robin’s Wings’ actually was suggested by Robin’s mother who said that Robin’s faith has enabled her to soar above fear and doubt, trusting and believing in God’s healing mercy and power,” explained Nancy Allison, one of Glover’s co-workers. 

Allison says the group designed a “Robin’s Wings” logo with pearls that they will wear on their sleeves on Race day. 

“A pearl starts out as a piece of irritant in the oyster and after going through a difficult journey ends up as a beautiful pearl,” said Allison.  “Robin has been on a difficult journey and has come out the other side a polished pearl.” 

Glover says the support from her co-workers has meant the world to her.

“People here genuinely care about one another,” she said.  “When someone is down facing some serious medical issues, I think that’s when the best in people comes out.”

Glover says she hopes her story will encourage others to join the fight against the insidious disease that is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death among women.

“Cancer is traumatic, and very soon – if not already – you will know someone or be that someone who is affected by it,” she said. 

In addition to participating in the Races, another way to support the cause is by purchasing Warriors in Pink apparel and accessories at www.fordcares.com.  All of the net proceeds directly benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and if you enter the promo code DETROITWIP at checkout, your donation will go directly to the Detroit chapter of Komen. 

The people modeling merchandise on the Warriors in Pink website are all survivors or family members of survivors.  Glover is one of them.  And all of their stories are told in videos at www.shopwarriorsinpink.com.

If you would like to support “Robin’s Wings,” please visit http://www.active.com/donate/detroitRFTC11/Robinswings.