Ready. Set. GO!
It’s that time of year again and the host team for the Pink On Parade at AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation is working closely with women across the community to rally support for the importance of breast cancer screenings and diagnostic services.
You might not believe it but the hospital campus even has a fully stocked WOW! room with luxurious wigs, silky scarves and even soft and pliable knitted knockers to help women battling the deadly disease here in Flagler County.
The big event, known locally as the Pink Army 5K may have been rebranded for consistency across the AdventHealth family of locations, but here in Flagler, women who know, know it will always be the Pink Army as they fight to raise funds to help women here in the local community.
A full calendar of events is set to take place over the next three weeks leading up the annual Pink On Parade 5K on October 9th and as of last week’s team meeting, more than 250 had signed up to be part of the event, more than two dozen breast cancer survivors.
“It’s very exciting and I give it to our great community Pink Army committee who is building the hype and going through all of their channels of friends and networks,” said John Subers, director of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation.
Of course the 1 Mile Pet-Friendly Fun Walk has been a huge draw, not just because it’s less walking distance but because it gives pet lovers a chance to dress up their furry pals for a pet contest and $5 of every registration for this walk goes to the Flagler Humane Society.
“Our ‘Pink Out Your Pet’ contest working with the humane society is got some excitement and that’s a lot of fun to see all these pets in pink,” shared Subers, enthusiastically. “It’s a great community event and I think the first time we’ve run in three years so we’re excited to get back out there.”
The Pink Army events are set to kick off on Tuesday, September 20th at Food Truck Tuesday where the pink fire truck will be the center of attention as first responders from across Flagler County show up to compete for the title belt (imagine WWF wrestling belt!) and pull the fire truck. Last year’s competition drew the largest Food Truck Tuesday crowd to date and organizers are looking forward to a big turnout.
“I am here with my daughter Melanie and we’re working on the Pink Army preparations for what’s going to be the largest assembly of supporters for breast cancer funding to fight breast cancer, each and every day,” said Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin.
“There are many people in our community and all over who suffer from this dreaded disease and we are here to make sure our entire community is aware of our efforts, comes, contributes, walks and marches with the Pink Army. I have to tell you our city is so excited to be fully engaged with the community at this level. What we care about is we can touch our residents and those residents that are not affected directly know somebody that is. The entire community must pull together for this effort,” he said.
Several events are planned for September in addition to the Truck Pull Competition and Pink Army flag raising, with a Party In Pink Bake Off set for September 24 at the Flagler Woman’s Club, hosted by the Boss Ladies of Flagler County and the Ladies of Flagler County, which is open to the public for a $10 donation or free for those who sign up for the Pink On Parade 5K and 1 Mile Fun Walk.
“Having a team for the Pink On Parade 5K is exciting,” said Ladies of Flagler County administrator Deana Cedar. “It gives us that feeling of being bigger and stronger together in the fight against breast cancer. Our team is going to get together to make tutus and plan as much pink as we can. We know how real cancer is for so many and we want to be sure cancer fighters and survivors know they are not alone.”
Events will continue throughout the month of October with activities like iFish Flagler hosted by the Flagler Home Builders Association, the Pat & Pink, Salute to Women Show at the Flagler Auditorium, a Pink on Parade Fashion Show hosted by Chez Jacqueline, and special days at Chick-fil-A and Texas Roadhouse, where a mention of the Pink on Parade ensures a portion of the day’s proceeds go to the Pink Army efforts.
“What a wonderful community event that we’re creating through the month of September and October raising awareness and education about breast cancer and the importance of screenings,” said Subers. “All the funds coming back are going to be used to help our Flagler County patients – women and men that are affected by breast cancer. The community support that we’re getting is tremendous.”
Survivors of breast cancer will be gifted a special medal on the day of the Pink On Parade 5K and are invited to be part of a survivor’s photo shoot courtesy of Images by Alina owner Alina Perry-Smith, a breast cancer survivor herself.
For more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PalmCoast/pink5k.
