Raising awareness for medical conditions brings out the best in the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine faculty members and its student. When the reason for participating includes honoring one of the team, the motivation runs even deeper.

For the second consecutive year, members from Team GRAB for the Cure laced up their tennis shoes to walk in honor of Assistant Dean for Medical Student Admissions and Financial Services Christina Grabowski, a breast cancer survivor. To celebrate her good health and to generate awareness for the cause, the team assembled at Chene Park in Detroit for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to walk or run, one to five miles.




Christina Grabowski, dark pink, greets OUWB medical students at the 

“I was truly overwhelmed when my colleagues organized the GRAB for the Cure team during my cancer treatment last year,” said Grabowski. “It was such an incredible honor. I am absolutely certain that the care, support and encouragement that I received from my OUWB family gave me strength to get through a difficult with laughs and good memories along the way.”

The morning commitment did not deter the group’s determination to reach the finish line, after all, this was an easy obstacle to overcome compared to Grabowski’s two-year challenge with cancer.

“Christina is an inspiration to all of us at the OUWB. She is truly on of those people who, if dealt lemons, she makes lemonade and whole a lot more like lemon pound cake,” described Janail Silver, director of Records and Registration.

Two years ago, when Grabowski’s life story included a dose of lemons, she refused to get sour about it. She remained dedicated to her job, often coming into the office following her treatments.

“Her experience helped a lot of people to realize that life is too short,” said Silver. “I am proud to be a part of this effort and to donate my time for a friend.”

Up to 75 percent of the funds raised from the Detroit event will benefit the local community to support breast health education, breast cancer screening and treatment projects. Twenty-five percent of the funds will support the Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Programs, which contribute to groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific conferences around the world.