Thousands prepare for the Komen Detroit Race for the Cure Saturday at Comerica Park

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) - It's like it has become my second home in a way,” said Meghan Malley.

7 Action News Anchor Alicia Smith met up with Malley at Karmanos Cancer Institute's Weisberg Cancer Treatment Center…  where Malley spent much of 2011.

"Last year, March 23rd, two days after my 29th birthday, I found out I had a positive biopsy in my right breast, and it was breast cancer," said Malley."

It was a very aggressive form of breast cancer that had spread to her spine.

She underwent 15 rounds of chemo at the center, followed by a double mastectomy, and 28 cycles of radiation -- all before the age of 30.

And her treatment is not over yet.

"I'm taking some oral medication and getting some injections to shut down my ovaries because I have an estrogen positive breast cancer.  So, we have to stop my ovaries from functioning," said Malley.

As a young breast cancer patient, Malley often felt other patients -- many of them in their 50s and 60s -- didn't quite understand what she was going through.

"My issues are very different about, you know, if I can start a family or I just started my career, and I have only been married a few years.  And I'm some women are trying to date, so our issues are just very unique," she explained.

So Malley started a support group for young cancer patients.  She co-founded the group with the help of karmanos oncology social worker Kathleen Hardy.

"I'll leave the group and an hour will go by, and they're still sharing stories and laughing and, and talking about all the things they're going through,” said Hardy.

Meghan Malley gained strength from attending last year's Race for the Cure with her team Meghan Malley's Rally.

Their slogan is  "Let's beat this thing!"

In 2011, more than 40,000 participants walked or ran in Detroit's Race for the Cure.  They raised about $2.3-Million to fight breast cancer.

"Obviously it's a day to celebrate as a survivor, so we encourage survivors to come out no matter what the age- whether six years like me or 20, 30, 40 years out," said race co-chair Katrina Studvent.

Meghan Malley was too weak to walk in last year's event, but she's feeling optimistic this year.

"The big things are behind me, and I feel wonderful," smiled Malley.

Because the race lands on a holiday weekend, organizers are encouraging people to take a picture of themselves wearing their Race for the Cure T-shirt -- or wearing pink --  wherever they are vacationing.  Then they hope people will send those pictures along with a donation to the Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure website.

People may also register on-site the morning of the race.

KOMEN DETROIT RACE FOR THE CURE

SATURDAY, MAY 26

COMERICA PARK

7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Of the donations received, 25% goes to research grants, and 75% funds local breast cancer programs.

If you'd like to donate, click here.

WXYZ 7 Action News is a proud media partner for this event.  We will have a walking team again this year.  We hope to see you down there.  Please feel free to stop by the Channel 7 live truck to say hello before the race.