A bagpiper leads the Survivors March at the 2009 Race for the Cure in Maryland Farms. BHP Photo.

Patty Harman has worked for nonprofit agencies almost her entire working career of 28 years, and her passion for helping others developed young.

When Harman finished her class work early one day in first grade, she was granted the privilege of going to the special needs classroom to help. Her experience as a classroom helper set the foundation for Harman’s future career.

“I know that cancer is an issue that can affect any woman. I didn’t want my son to have to grow up without a mother. I believe in the Komen model, and I want to make an impact.” PATTY HARMAN Executive Director, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Nashville.

“Doing work that makes a difference feeds my soul. I am lucky to have realized that at a young age,” she says today.  And her newest role continues to nourish her. Harman is now executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Nashville.

While her school peers searched to find themselves and their niche, Harman found her passion early and developed a career based upon making a difference.

She says her dad still asks, “When are you going to get a real job?” But she already has; several of them.

After graduating with a master’s degree in nonprofit business and global management from Park University in Kansas City, in 1994 she was offered the position of executive director at High Hopes, a preschool that provides early intervention for children with special needs. She served in the role for five years.

“I loved my experience at High Hopes and the children. I loved walking in everyday to smiles and hugs. It was a great feeling knowing that we were working toward the goal of making children feel successful and building upon those successes everyday,” she says.

After High Hopes, Harman served for 12 years as president and CEO of Monroe Harding, Inc., an organization that serves at-risk youth. Harman said that she enjoyed being a part of an organization dedicated to “giving children a second chance and not giving up on teenagers.”

However, a personal experience caused Harman to seek a position in the cancer prevention arena. When Harman’s best friend died of cancer almost five years ago leaving a young son, she saw the pain that it causes individuals and families first hand. After this tragic experience, she knew that she wanted to get involved and do something to help eradicate the hurt caused by the disease.

“I know that cancer is an issue that can affect any woman. I didn’t want my son to have to grow up without a mother. I believe in the Komen model, and I want to make an impact,” she says.

And that is exactly what Harman plans to do this year with Race for the Cure, which will return Oct. 29 for the third year to Maryland Farms in Brentwood. Last year about $900,000 was raised; the goal for this year is $2.5 million.

During a recent speech at the Brentwood Cool Springs Chamber meeting held at Brentwood United Methodist Church, Harman discussed the economic impact that breast cancer has on women who are diagnosed. She shared that on average women lose one quarter of their total income within the first 12 months after a diagnosis, while 10 percent lose more than two-thirds of their income.

Harman went on to state that 75 percent of the funds raised from Race for the Cure go directly back to the Middle Tennessee community to fund programs in education, screening, and treatment, while the remainder goes toward research grants to find a cure.

Komen statistics report that one in eight women globally are diagnosed with breast cancer. Based on this statistic, it is estimated that 11,430 women could be diagnosed with breast cancer in Williamson County.

Through Komen and Race for the Cure, Harman hopes to raise awareness about early detection and early screenings as well as raise funds for programs and research to help “minimize breast cancer and its effects in the community.”

Those who wish to participate can visit www.komennashville.org to register online or to download a form. The registration fee is $35. The deadline for online registration is Oct. 25. The deadline for team registration is Oct. 13.