MADISON, Wis. -- Nearly 12,000 people took to the streets of Madison on Saturday in a race to fight breast cancer.

But out of those thousands of runners and walkers at the 12th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, one local cancer survivor stands out for raising the bar on fundraising.

"It's just such an emotional day," said breast cancer survivor Michele Wilkinson, "but it's really fun to see all the support for breast cancer."

"It's a different cause," Wilkinson said. "Now, it's for me and I want to make sure that we can find a cure and not have anyone else go through it."

Wilkinson, who hails from Milton, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September. She has stayed active since her diagnosis by teaching fitness classes throughout her treatment.

"That was something that I wanted to do for myself and to show people that you can still overcome your obstacles," said Wilkinson.

Wilkinson's commitment to the fight against breast cancer resulted in her being this year's top individual fundraiser at the Race for the Cure. Wilkinson alone brought in more than $5,000 in donations.

"I just kept after people," Wilkinson said. "I was excited. I was just happy and really pleased with all the support."

On top of the dollars raised, Wilkinson brought with her "The Chemo Sabes," a team of 40 family members and friends to walk on Saturday.

Wilkinson's family said they're proud of her ability to overcome breast cancer.

"She's been an amazing inspiration to all of us," said Suzie Wilkinson, Michele's mother-in-law. "She's been so strong, kept up her spirit, and just stayed active through the whole thing. She surprised herself. She's surprised and overwhelmed by the support that she's gotten."

That support at Saturday's Race for the Cure is something Wilkinson said she truly appreciates.

"I just want to thank really all of my friends and family and everybody at the gym for all their support," said Wilkinson. "Because I couldn't do it without them."

For more information on Michele Wilkinson, visit this Web site.