Race for the Cure runner fights to win her personal race with breast cancer

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The battle against breast cancer took center stage in Downtown Fresno on Sunday.

The most important steps towards surviving breast cancer are often the scariest. Anna Engelberg knows firsthand.

"I'm here because I was diagnosed with breast cancer about four weeks ago," said Anna Engelberg, breast cancer patient.

Engelberg started Sunday's Race for the Cure alongside hundreds of fellow runners and walkers. But without a dog on a leash or pink hair, she stood out as a current breast cancer patient hitting the road.

A crowd of about 20 Anna's Angels tagged along to support their friend. A couple of them came from hours away and she hadn't even seen one friend in 30 years.

"Beyond words. I just can't even express how blessed I am right now," said Engelberg.

For the 19th year, the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure twisted through Fresno, raising money to research breast cancer and find ways to slow it down or even eliminate it. The charity raised $200 million nationwide last year, which is music to the ears of people affected by the disease.

In a matter of 16 minutes, the faster runners crossed the finish line. Engelberg and her crew took a while longer on the road. But in the end, she'll take however long she needs for this walk.

"I'm going to live my life. I'm going to be strong and I'm going to fight and teach my girls this is what it's about," said Engelberg.

Surgery is a month away and hopefully, she reaches the finish line once again, this time, winning the race.