Klever’s Beavers Race for the Cure in Portland

Four years ago, Kirk Walker’s Oregon State softball program began an annual tradition of participating in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race for the Cure in Portland. The Race for the Cure is a 5K run that features participants and volunteers that donate time and money to help support the fight against breast cancer.

For the Beaver softball program, participation in the Race for the Cure was a way to give back to the community, strengthen team bonds and support a worthy cause - all while getting a conditioning workout.

In 2006 however, the race took on a completely new meaning for the team. It was no longer the unknown person in the crowd that they were supporting, but it was a member of their own "Beaver Family" that needed help to find the cure.

It was in late January of 2006 when Karen Klever, senior pitcher Amy Klever’s mother, found a lump in her breast and just weeks later - while the Beavers were at a tournament in Arizona for the season-opener - Karen’s biopsy came back positive for cancer.

"There is no way to prepare for something like this to hit so close to home," said Amy.
"Life is too easily taken for granted. We worry about things that aren’t worth it, or get angry at things that are insignificant."

The Beaver coaches, players, and their families became a support system to the Klevers during this difficult time. Karen had touched so many of their lives in special ways, whether it was a presence in the stands during games or greeting the team at the airport with special treats, cards and homemade cookies.

"Beaver softball has a tradition of being a close-knit group, but they were so much more than that during this time for me and my family," said Amy. "I’m not sure what I would have done without their constant love, laughter, and support. They continue to be the first people to step up to the plate when we truly need them."

Since her diagnosis, Karen has had a mastectomy with lymph node removal and has undergone chemotherapy. She continued to attend as many OSU softball games as she could during the Beavers’ run to the 2006 NCAA Women’s College World Series, always offering words of congratulation, motivation and INSPIRATION.

"My mom is the strongest woman I know, and when the realization hit me that even she was not invincible, it was difficult to accept," said Amy. "I owe this year’s team and coaching staff more thanks than they will ever know, for being the rock that I constantly needed to lean on."

In preparation for September’s Race for the Cure, the Beaver softball players and coaches donned pink t-shirts with the words "Klever’s Beavers" written on their backs in support of their graduated teammate and her mom. Showing first hand that once you’re in the "Beaver Family", you’re always in the family, and that there is so much more to college athletics than wins and losses and performance on the field.

"My mom was extremely touched by the love and support of the team and their families," said Amy. "Even the incoming freshmen who have not gone through this ordeal with us, were so supportive."

Things are headed in a positive direction as Karen’s most recent tests have come back negative for cancer. She still has about 50-percent of her radiation treatments to go and will be on a preventative drug called Herceptin for up to another year.

"The team helped remind us that there is always a reason to be positive," said Amy. "I’ve never seen a group of people come together quite like my team has. We are so blessed to be connected with such a great group of people."

Please join the Oregon State softball team’s fight to find a cure for cancer. Log-on to www.komenoregon.org to find out how you can make a difference.