Survivors + Forever Fighters Enjoy a Day of Hope, Celebration and Promise at Race for the Cure
Susan G. Komen Central and South Jersey’s annual Race for the Cure on Sunday, November 5 was a day filled with hope, celebration and love. There was a feeling of anticipation, excitement and festivity in the air; even the predicated rain held off for a bright and clear morning.
Thousands of people came together to celebrate Race for the Cure at Six Flags Great Adventure this year, and helped us reach our fundraising goal of over $500,000.
Xtreme Events kept the party going from morning until noon, energizing participants to get up and get moving. Bert Baron of 1450 WCTC was the MC for the day. Selfie Snapshots provided the pinkest photo booth and props, and our generous sponsors gave away great goodies. Participants had an opportunity to meet our ten grantees making a difference in the lives of women and men in need in central and southern New Jersey.
The Survivor and Forever Fighter tent glowed with warm pink lighting, and was filled with fun, laughter and hope. Corner Bakery provided a spread of delicious breakfast and coffee. Survivors and forever fighters glammed up with Mary Kay Cosmetics, perfect for some photo booth selfies. Thank you to Janet Marzocca and the survivor tent crew for creating a beautiful space for survivors, forever fighters and co-survivors to enjoy!
The most moving part of Race for the Cure was the annual procession, with a beautiful pink sea of inspiring survivors and forever fighters proudly wearing pink or gold beads symbolizing their years of survivorship. Accompanied by the brave women and men of the Westampton Township Police Department, survivors and forever fighters marched together, holding up signs for years of survivorship, while family and friends cheered on.
Watch the survivor procession here!
Everyone came together during this special moment to celebrate one another and remember those who lost their battle with breast cancer. Many of these hundreds of women did not know each other, but understood without saying a word the emotions of the person next to them. They hugged, held hands and cried; everyone felt part of something special.
Suzanne Corson, executive director of Komen CSNJ, led off the day’s program. Suzanne said it best: our survivors and forever fighters are the reason we do what we do each day, working hard to achieve our vision of a world without breast cancer. Race for the Cure co-host Dr. Coral Omene, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, stressed the importance of being breast self-aware and talking to your doctor about your risk. Maria Almeida of Komen CSNJ’s board of directors shared her story of survivorship with the crowd.
After a big pink selfie, the 5K and walk went off without a hitch, with survivors and forever fighters gathering their teammates, friends and family to enjoy the moment they have been waiting for all year.
Komen CSNJ is so grateful for the support of our survivors, forever fighters, volunteers, sponsors, committee and participants. This year’s incredible Race for the Cure could not have succeeded without you. Thank you for your hard work, fundraising and dedication!
