A Ballard woman has formed her own army in the fight against breast cancer.

When the 2008 Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure happened on June 21, Ann McMurray brought "Ann E's Army," with over 105 supporters who have raised money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure Puget Sound.

"I am very proud to be the captain of such a great group of people that I have met during my life," said McMurray. They include childhood friends, co-workers, friends from college and friends she has met through others.

"Ann E's Army," has raised $10,000 each year since 2003. Last year they topped that with $13,000. McMurray was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001, three days before she turned 50. She had surgery then went through six months of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation.

Cancer survivors in the race for the cure are known for wearing pink t-shirts. Now some of the women in pink are a sad reminder of the spread of the disease.

"Women friends who have supported me in past years are now walking with a pink t-shirt after being diagnosed themselves," said McMurray.

McMurray's cancer has been in remission for seven years.

"I hope and pray I've beaten it," she said. McMurray will turn 57 in September.

McMurray said it was the lowest point of her life when she was diagnosed. Her family helped give her spirits need boost by when nine relatives walked in the 2002 Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure in her honor. They included a sister, two brothers, two sisters in law, father, niece and two nephews.

"After the race, they came to my house and told me all about it and what a great inspirational event it was. That day I made a promise to them that in 2003 I would be right there with them walking and thus, my team "Ann E's Army" was born," said McMurray.

McMurray is always reminding her supporters to get early detection of breast cancer.

"It's my weekly message to the team, to continue fundraising and to take care of their annual checkup," said McMurray.

Her mother died in 1991 from cancer. She was 68.

"I miss her everyday of my life. Hopefully by walking and raising money, I can help in some small way to help fewer daughters to live without their mothers," said McMurray.