Strong survivors
Breast cancer walk in Orlando raises more than $650,000
Lisa Johnson gets emotional when she thinks about the backing she has received from family and friends during her cancer battle.
On Saturday, tens of thousands of strangers added their voices to her support system.
The 58-year-old Orlando woman was among those to walk and run 5 kilometers around the Lake Eola area in honor of those who have been affected and afflicted by breast cancer.
More than 60,000 people walked to raise more than $650,000 for the American Cancer Society's efforts to research the disease and educate the public on detection.
“Today's walk was a moving example of how — united — we can make huge progress toward a world without breast cancer,” Susan Shaw, executive director of American Cancer Society in Orlando said in a release.
Last year, the race raised more than $650,000 and saw 55,000 people walk beneath the pink banner that reads “FINISH.”
For Johnson, 58, it was the first run since she was diagnosed with breast cancer the day after Christmas last year.
She has been undergoing chemotherapy sessions regularly ever since.
The race “makes you realize that life is so simple when you have family behind you,” Johnson said through tears when asked about her supporters at the race. “Without that, you probably couldn't get through it.”
The finish line at the race was hardly a somber event, however.
Runners took selfies with
“It’s amazing and encouraging and it gives you hope. They are letting you know that you are not alone and you’re not the only one thinking about it or worried about it.” Shawn Barnett, participant in Saturday’s breast cancer walk
friends and family members.
Crowds cheered the runners as they approached wearing T-shirts that either represented a running team or group or included popular sayings like “Save the Tatas” and “Real Men Rock Pink.”
The cheers got louder when a runner or walker was wearing a sash that read “Survivor.”
“It means a lot to me,” said Noemi Hernandez, who teared up when she heard the crowds.
Hernandez credits her faith in God with helping her survive the seven years since she was first diagnosed with breast cancer.
That diagnosis came about 13 years after she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
“It sent me to the hospital but I’m still here,” Hernandez said. “I want to thank God. He gave me the strength and I’m here because of him.”
It was a sentiment shared by many along the path on Saturday.
Faye McLean said it has been tough watching her friend go through treatment for breast cancer.
However, what has made it more tolerable is that McLean and her close friend keep their faith as she does.
“There is so much struggle,” said McLean, of Kissimmee. “Survivors trust in their belief in and knowing there is a higher power. It has kept her going.”
As Shawn Barnett crossed the finish line, she said when she sees large numbers of people she does not know supporting her, through cheers and words of encouragement, it reminds her that she has allies in her journey since she recovered 1998 bout with lymphoma.
“It’s amazing and encouraging and it gives you hope,” she said. “They are letting you know that you are not alone and you’re not the only one thinking about it or worried about it.” from a