RENO, Nev. – Bowl for the Cure Week at the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships is a special moment for all involved, giving survivors a chance to shine, be recognized and compete, while raising awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

The fourth edition of the week took place June 17-23 at the National Bowling Stadium, with many events taking place throughout the week to spread awareness, raise donations and share stories. Events like raffles, games, scavenger hunts and more helped to create awareness, while representatives from Bowl for the Cure and Susan G. Komen were on-site in Reno to help provide information on breast cancer research and the fight to find a cure.

In the United States, there is a one in eight chance that a woman will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of death by cancer in women, but there are more than four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

During the week, several survivors shared their stories in the fight against breast cancer and how bowling has helped them.

Becky Miller of Bonney Lake, Washington, competed during the week at the USBC Women’s Championships and shared her story of fighting breast cancer.

“I just went in for a regular mammogram, and they found something suspicious,” Miller said. “They then did an ultrasound when they found out.”

Hearing the news of having breast cancer can be difficult to deal with and comprehend. For Miller, it was different, and she felt fortunate because it was Stage 0.

“I am blessed that it was at Stage 0 and that I only had to have a lumpectomy,” Miller said.

At the time, Miller was with her daughter when she received the news on being diagnosed with breast cancer. The two showed emotions of sadness, which resulted in tears.

It also took some time for Miller to find out what stage of cancer she was at, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My daughter was with me at the time, and we both cried,” Miller said. “When I found out I had breast cancer, I didn’t know what stage. It took a while to figure out what stage it was, and when I found out, it was during COVID, which made everything take longer.”

Having bowling as an outlet while dealing with breast cancer was very helpful for Miller. She had been bowling for quite a long time and did not want to stop.

Already having a community of friends who bowled with her made things a lot easier while dealing with breast cancer.

“It really helped a lot – I’m a bowler,” Miller said. “My friends all bowl. Yes, it’s a good outlet.”

Being part of Bowl for the Cure Week at the Women’s Championships meant a lot to Miller.

“It means a lot,” Miller said. “Especially since they recognize it and do things to help.”

Now being a survivor, Miller has many helpful pieces of advice to share for others going through breast cancer. The Washington bowler shared how it’s important to stay positive, be close to loved ones and always get yearly mammograms. The American Cancer Society recommends annual breast screenings starting at the age of 40 and earlier if there is a family history of breast cancer.

“Staying positive and having your loved ones close is the best,” Miller said. “I also tell people all the time who haven’t had a mammogram to get one. Always get checked at least once a year.”

Miller shared many high praises for the event because of all it does for the community and how it allowed her to connect with others.

“I love this event – it’s the best,” Miller said.



Cancer can be a scary word to see or hear whether you, a friend or loved one has been diagnosed with it.

That was the case in January 2017, when Neashall Brown of Jacksonville, Arkansas, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Brown went in for a routine checkup, and a brand-new doctor noticed something that wasn’t normal. She said throughout the diagnosis, she was trying to see the silver lining in things.

“I looked at it as another chance because it was caught,” Brown said.

When someone overcomes something as tragic as cancer, it’s a wonderful thing. Brown has a great support system that helped her along the way.

“My family, children, sisters and brothers were my support system throughout treatment,” Brown said.

In her personal life, Brown is a public servant to the people. She really is an inspirational individual.

“I worked in rural services for the blind for a while,” Brown said. “I have helped service impaired adults and helped them be productive and have stable independence in their lives. I am very truly blessed in life, and sadly, there are people worse off than me. It just shows you that other people think well, I am not so bad after all.”

Brown enjoyed her time at the Women’s Championships this year. She loved walking down the National Bowling Stadium’s center aisle to Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” as she made her way to compete.

She had a poetic quote as well on helping others in the same situation.

“The main thing is to just tell people keep believing,” Brown said. “And, this is not the end, just because you have cancer. It could be the beginning of your life, because you’re looking at things in a different way now. Just start living life as this great second chance that you get.”

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