MILWAUKEE - The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure raises money to combat breast cancer, and most of it stays right here in Milwaukee.

What is it used for?

To see 32-year-old Chandra McDonald today, you wouldn't know she recently had breast cancer surgery, and is about to start aggressive chemotherapy.

"It doesn't mean I have to like it, just means I have to do it, and deal with it, and come out a winner," McDonald explains.

It's been a long road to the winner's circle. Three of McDonald's older sisters have had cancer, and her mom died from it. So when she felt a lump in her breast...

"I knew what it was, I just didn't want to hear the news," McDonald admits.

She was afraid to see a doctor, because she was homeless and uninsured. That's where Aurora's “Project Access Grant” came in. The grant has already helped many women.

Oza Holmes is a nurse, and a coordinator at Aurora's Breast Health Center.

"This grant provided them the opportunity to get screened, and once we get them in the system, we can keep them in the system," Oza says.

McDonald gets her treatments at the Comprehensive Breast Health Center in downtown Milwaukee.

"We're able to get good, quality care, and the system is working with the grant," Oza says.

Unlike other grants, the Project Access Grant is all-encompassing. In addition to medical care, it helps women like McDonald pay for childcare and transportation, so they can get to their treatments.

Dr. Judy Tjoe is a Breast Surgeon, and the director of the center.

"There's so many hurdles, so many barriers people don't realize,” Tjoe said.

One of the other hurdles McDonald initially faced was her age.

"Women as young as Chandra aren't even eligible to go through breast imaging, even though they might have a breast abnormality," Dr. Tjoe points out.

The grant is also available to women who are under-insured.

"If you can't pay your bills, some people won't see you," Oza warns.

McDonald knows she still has a long journey ahead, but it's a much smoother road, thanks to money raised during the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure.

"Everyone deserves a chance, and a second chance. Because the Susan G. Komen grant is a second chance," McDonald says.

The Project Access Grant is just one of several local grants made possible thanks to Komen. It won't pay for all of McDonald's treatments, but it's a good start.

The race is this Sunday at 9 a.m. on the lakefront.

Click on the link under related content to register for the race, or make a donation.