Among Dr. Asaf Yalif’s passions are raising awareness about breast cancer and running. The Alpharetta/Roswell plastic surgeon is now combining the two. On Nov. 6, Yalif, whose work includes breast reconstruction for women with mastectomies, will run the New York City Marathon. He’s been raising money for the run to support Atlanta’s chapter of The Pink Agenda, a nonprofit that supports breast cancer research and care. Yalif talked about the upcoming marathon (his first) and his personal connection to a woman battling breast cancer.
Q: How did you connect running a marathon with supporting The Pink Agenda?
A: I was speaking with folks at The Pink Agenda about ways to raise awareness about their work. I already had submitted my time from last year's Atlanta half-marathon to see if I could even qualify for the New York Marathon. Once I did, it was very easy tying these two things together. Then I thought, "Oh God. I guess I really have to do this."
Q: Why The Pink Agenda?
A: This particular group, in addition to partnering with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, has more of a younger slant, reaching out to more professional women who maybe don't think about breast cancer as it relates to them. These women are the next generation of entrepreneurs and philanthropists to help raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. I like the way the group sums it up: "Raise Awareness, Raise Money and Raise Hell in the fight against Breast Cancer."
Q: You’ve hosted other events to fundraise for the group?
A: Yes and some money has helped fund what is called a Fab-U-Wish. Each year, they gift a local woman with a day of "fabulousness." It's a day of pampering where the focus is on the woman, not her cancer. This year, we selected a young mother of two who is undergoing treatment for a fairly aggressive tumor.
Q: Why should breast reconstruction be an option for women?
A: Our team of breast cancer specialists' goal is to both cure and help heal our patients. Pursuing the "cure" usually involves a mastectomy or lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and ongoing drug therapy. "Healing" has a psychological component and one of the ways I know to do that is by recreating a breast. That allows a woman to feel like herself.
Q: You have a relative battling breast cancer, correct?
A: My first cousin, who is in her early 30s, was recently diagnosed with a tumor. We talk a lot about what is going on with her. I try to be family rather than a physician for her.
Q: What do you say to women about breast cancer?
A: Early detection saves lives. A good general rule is if you have a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five to 10 years before that relative was diagnosed. The science is a little muddy about breast health exams but I do think being aware of your body is critically important. You or your partner should check to make sure things essentially are unchanged. If something changes, it's at least worth getting it looked at.
Q: Are you ready to run a marathon?
A: I've been doing the training. I just did a 20-mile run in New York City as a practice although almost every runner I have spoken with tells me that the last six of the 26.2 miles really test your mettle. I guess you never know if you're ready until you actually do it!
Information on The Pink Agenda: www.thepinkagenda.org.
To support Dr. Yalif’s run: www.crowdrise.com/thepinkagendanyc2016/fundraiser/drYruns.
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