SEBASTIAN — Almost 500 survivors, caregivers, friends and family members, including 100 teams of walkers, filled Sebastian’s Riverview Park Saturday morning for one of the most emotional and inspiring fundraisers of the season – the 2013 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
The event, presented by the Sebastian River Medical Center, raised more than $75,000 to advance the cause. It was one of many taking place across the country during October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All month long, a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies work together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.
With radio celebs Geoff and Dana from 93.7 The Breeze keeping the energy high and the music peppy, the walkers checked in, greeted one another, and gathered for team photos.
The signature color of the breast cancer fight was everywhere, from the pink and white balloon starting arch to the creative team outfits. There were tons of pink T-shirts, pink fairies, tutus, feathers, tiaras, outside-the-T-shirt bras, ribbons, knee sox – and even hair.
Everyone there, every mother, sister, daughter, cousin, friend, spouse – had stories to tell – of their own fight, or that of a loved one, stories of loss and survival, of hope and courage.
Paul Parris, 8, and his sister Addison, 6, wore T-shirts that said, “Aunt Amy Is My Hero.” Their mom, Vikki, wiping her eyes, explained that her older sister Amy, in Louisville, Ky., has been battling cancer for two years.
Julienne Thomas, Kiersten Hope and Eliza Cooney were part of a group from the theater department at the Indian River Charter High School, wearing short, bright pink wigs and pink satin jackets (think Rizzo’s Pink Ladies in “Grease”). Their director, Michael Naffziger, had lost a friend to cancer, they said.
“I made a list of names, 18 people I know who are living with breast cancer,” said Mindy Serafin. “I’m walking for my sisters.”
Lula Thomas added, “I’m here for my dear friend Odessa, she’s a 6-year breast cancer survivor and the bravest woman I know.”
And Cindy Goodrich said, “I’m here for my good friend Denise, a breast cancer survivor in my home state, Vermont.”
Two dainty Yorkie-poos with pink top knots – Miabella and Tiffany – sat politely in their stroller wearing pink and white shirts that read, “I wear pink for my mom.” Mom is Jeannine Milligan from Micco, joined by her husband, Lawrence.
“I am a 6 and a half-year cancer survivor,” she said.
Kelly and Truman Huber, of Sebastian, and daughters Lily, 5, and Hailey, 7, were dressed in pink and ready to walk.
“My best friend died of cancer after two years. She was 63,” said Kelly. “She lost her son to cancer, then her husband. I think she just gave up.”
Geoff and Dana invited Abygayle Melton to the stage for a special cupcake. It was Abygayle’s 10th birthday and she had chosen to spend it participating in the walk, with her family, in memory of her uncle and a classmate who had both died of cancer.
As she enjoyed her well-iced, heavily sprinkled cupcake, everyone sang “Happy Birthday!”
Part of the large Sebastian River Medical Center team were IT Director Kerry Cosner and his wife, Dawn, and Infection Control Nurse Rhonda Marples and her husband, Gene. Their team was walking for and with one of their own, Melissa Corley, diagnosed in April, and currently undergoing chemo.
“I finish it in December,” she said with a smile. Melissa and her husband, Tom, are the parents of 8-year-old twin sons, Seth and Dylan. She is grateful for the support she gets from her co-workers.
Just easing back into work two days a week, she says, “Their support has done wonders for me.” She pointed to a woman in the crowd, “That’s my mother-in-law, Peggy Corley. She’s my chemo buddy. She goes with me every time.”
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer sponsors include:
Capp Custom Builder/Capt. Hiram’s
Denise Pieczyinski FMD, PA
Dyer Chevrolet, Mazda Subaru
Edward Murphy MD, FACS
George E. Warren Corp.
Indian River Primary Care
James Presley MD
Ocean Drive Plastic Surgery
Patrick Ottuso MD, FAAD
Perkins Medical Supply
Quality Health Care
Ralph Rosato MD, FACS
The Breeze
Vero Radiology Associates
