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June 15, 2005
Sky divers back breast cancer fight
BY JOHN A. TORRES
FLORIDA TODAY
Merritt Island resident Elizabeth May compares jumping out of a plane to playing a round of golf.
You're always looking for perfection.
For May, that perfection is normally in the form of trying to hook up with 35 or so other free-falling sky divers 13,000 feet above the ground. But on Sept. 26, May will set her sights even higher as she takes part in "Jump for the Cause 2005" -- to raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.
That jump will start about 21,000 feet high with about 175 female sky divers in California.
"I've always been a sort of philanthropist," May said, adding that she helped care for her sister with cerebral palsy when she was younger. "This combines my passion for sky diving and raising funds and awareness. What a perfect combination."
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be 211,930 new cases of breast cancer this year, including 13,430 in Florida. Nearly 3,000 Floridians will die from breast cancer in 2005.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, but mortality rates have dropped 2.3 percent in the 1990s. Cancer experts credit early detection and the use of mammography with the increase of the survival rate.
Kelly Haskins, community representative for the Brevard Chapter of the Ameircan Cancer Society, praised May for her efforts.
"Awareness and early detection are the keys to fighting this disease," she said. "Awareness must be a top priority."
Early detection is what most likely saved 36-year-old Suzanne Giusti's life. Two years, three surgeries, and numerous radiation and chemotherapy treatments later, Giusti is healthy and dedicating her life to her artwork. Her favorite topic to paint? Breast cancer.
"I'm so lucky I found it early," said the Merritt Island resident. "You can't wait. I've known people who have been afraid to get checked. Don't be afraid to save your own life."
After 20 years and 1,525 jumps, May -- a 45-year-old retired Air Force major -- says the jumps offer a different kind of excitement now than when she first started.
"It's kind of like playing golf and searching for that perfect round," said May, who works for Harris Corp. "You're always searching for the perfect sky dive, where everyone does what they are supposed to do and it all comes together. There is a lot of orchestration that needs to take place."
"Jump for the Cause" has raised money in years past for battered women, spinal cord research and for medical facilities.
Whom to call
To sponsor or contact Elizabeth May, go to jumpforthecause.com or call 591-6924. Brevard County's American Cancer Society is sponsoring a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk Oct. 8. For information, call 433-3109.
Contact Torres at 242-3649 or jtorres@flatoday.net
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