Dusty Showers has been a breast cancer advocate since 2004. His first experience with the disease was when the grandmother of his daughters was diagnosed. Dusty and his family began participating in The Susan G. Komen 3-Day events and it was his participation at these events when Dusty discovered his passion.
Coerced into wearing a pink bra for lack of a quick enough response to get out of it, Dusty saw that the ridiculousness of him in the pink bra brought so much joy and gratitude to those participating including survivors, thrivers and their caregivers. As the years have progressed Dusty has gone from a collection of one pink bra to a collection of dozens of hand-made bras sent to him from all over the country. In 2009, breast cancer hit close to home again for Dusty when the mother of his daughters was diagnosed with the disease. As his two beautiful daughters develop into young women, Dusty continues to be passionate about helping survivors with financial support and raising awareness to increase early detection in hopes that he never has to hear one of his daughters utter the words “I have breast cancer”.
Mara Gorden, inspired by a friend’s stage 4 diagnosis at age 38, feeling helpless and overwhelmed, joined the Susan G. Komen 3-day community as a way to do more to honor her friend. Dusty and Mara connected on Facebook in early 2010 and then met during the 2010 Boston 3-day when Dusty was in Boston walking with another team.
The week after the walk Mara found herself on the other side of the diagnosis when her first mammogram found an early stage breast cancer in her left breast. During Mara’s surgeries and treatments Dusty and Mara developed a friendship.
Post treatment Mara was determined to walk again in 2011 but this time with Dusty Showers by her side. After some convincing, Dusty agreed to another walk in Boston with Mara in 2011.
Realizing that the two shared the same passion for the cause but that each brought different strengths to the table they decided to join forces and in September 2011, Mara and Dusty incorporated The 2nd Basemen, Inc.
The 2nd Basemen, Inc. is a registered tax-exempt IRC § 501(c)(3) Florida not-for-profit corporation.
