ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Hundreds of breast cancer survivors and supporters took part Saturday morning in the Orlando “MORE THAN PINK” walk, Susan G. Komen’s annual event that raises funds for breast cancer research.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 42,000 women and 500 men die in the U.S. each year from breast cancer.
Dozens of breast cancer survivors were greeted with applause Saturday morning during the Susan G. Komen event at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte Springs.
Hundreds of others walked in honor of their friends and loved ones.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Natalie Castellano’s sister, Ivelisee, is now cancer-free after going through remission. She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer three years ago.
“That love and support from the family, showing her it’s OK, it’s going to be OK,” Castellano said.
So many people here wore pink, sharing their stories of healing and survival. They also wanted to share the importance of getting checked.
Castellano told me, especially with it being Women’s History Month, it’s a reminder for women especially to get their mammograms and to get checked regularly.
“At the end of the day, if you can catch it early where you can save your life or the next person’s life, I’m all for it,” Castellano said.
Adrian Gaskins said he wouldn’t dare miss Saturday’s walk.
“In 2006 I lost my aunt Charlene to breast cancer. She was my best friend at the age of 37,” Gaskins said.
He said his job, National Airlines, is also making a difference and getting results for breast cancer.
“Our organization was able to donate $16,000 to the foundation so I’m hoping next year to set a new goal, maybe 20,000,” Gaskins said.
“By ‘MORE THAN PINK,’ we’re allowing us to communicate and talk about breast cancer and the importance of early treatment, detection, etcetera, beyond the month of October,” said event chair Bart Kendall.
Find out more about the Susan G. Komen foundation by clicking here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: