As the nation recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness month, Buffalo resident Mike Story and his daughter Carly are sharing their story with Western New York and the country to draw attention to the issue and try to help others. And while Mike shares the story of his fight, childhood friend Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) continues his fight for increased federal funding for cancer research and treatment at facilities like Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) right here in Western New York and others across the nation.  

Mike met Kelly Whalen in high school.  Mike was a long-time friend of Brian’s since their days at St. Thomas Aquinas grammar school.  Kelly was classmates with Brian’s wife, Mary Jane Hannon at Mount Mercy.  The four went on a double date in 1981 and two years later Mike and Kelly were married. In 1990 they were blessed with Carly. 

After nearly 25 years of marriage Kelly was diagnosed in April of 2007 with stage 4 breast cancer.  She underwent radiation, a lumpectomy and chemotherapy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute with Mike, Carly and close friends Mary Jane and Brian at her side. On January 1, 2009, months before reaching her 50th birthday, Kelly lost her fight with cancer.

 As Mike and Carly were beginning to pick up the pieces, the unthinkable happened; Mike discovered a lump in his chest and was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer just a year after Kelly’s death.  Mike is currently undergoing treatment at Roswell Park and he is optimistic about his prognosis.

“During her last days Kelly told me, ‘you need to live your life no matter what gets thrown your way,’” said Mike, who never expected to face the same fight she did.

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization reports 207,090 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women and 1,970 new cases of male breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2010.  Today 89% of those treated for breast cancer will survive five years, and 82% will survive 10 years.

Congressman Higgins, a member of the House of Representatives Cancer Caucus, has testified several times before the House Budget Committee, urging increased federal investments in biomedical and cancer research. “This nation can and must do better,” he said. “Many cancer breakthroughs and discoveries are due to efforts by researchers at great American institutions like Roswell Park and other facilities right here along the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.  Nearly all American families will be touched by cancer and a serious commitment to finding a cure should be America’s goal.”

Roswell Park Cancer Institute is America's first cancer center, founded in 1898 by Dr. Roswell Park. RPCI is the only upstate New York facility to hold the National Cancer Center designation of "comprehensive cancer center" and to serve as a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

“While many advances in cancer research have been made, the experience that Mike and Carly shared with the nation this week vividly reinforces the need for continued investment in cancer research,” says Tracey O’Connor, MD, a medical oncologist and Assistant Professor at RPCI. “This is a vital and promising time to make funding for cancer research a national priority.”

According to the American Cancer Society, cancer will affect one out of two men and one out of three women in their lifetime.   

“The key to better breast cancer survival rates is research,” said Gretchen Leffler, Regional Vice President for the American Cancer Society.  “In recent years, we have made great progress in the war on cancer.  But, if we cut or slow down funding now, our momentum and medical breakthroughs could come to a screeching halt. Congress must protect research funding and continue making cancer a top national priority.”

On Wednesday, October 27 Mike and Carly’s story was featured on the CBS Early Show.