Palm Coast – The City of Palm Coast is happy to once-again partner with AdventHealth Palm Coast to present the Pink on Parade 5K on October 8 to help provide breast cancer awareness. The event is part of the AdventHealth Foundation’s Pink Army initiative fundraising efforts, which has been providing screening services and treatment to local patients in Flagler County since 2009.
While the execution of the event itself is similar to that of other 5K events, the atmosphere is one that is ripe with distinction, from the musical and entertainment performances from local youth groups and marching bands that kickoff the event, to the sea of pink-donned participants of all ages that range from cancer survivors and their family members to those who just want to lend a helping hand to their community.
For City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst, the event hits close to home, albeit across the globe in his native Australia, where his mother, who has previously battled breast cancer, was informed she may be in the fight once-again, after recent screenings revealed what could be a return of the disease.
“Bringing the community together is something that is always something special but being able to do something that is also helping residents right here in our area and helps spread awareness of this disease makes it even better,” said James Hirst, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Palm Coast. “For those that have been diagnosed with this disease, we want them to know that they are not alone, they have a whole community behind them that supports them.”
To date, the initiative has stood to support 595 patients, who have had 997 procedures related to breast cancer and diagnostics. All proceeds raised from the event directly support qualified Flagler County residents with early dedication screening, cancer-related education materials, and cancer diagnostics and screening. Some proceeds from this year’s event will also support the building of AdventHealth’s newly announced Freytag Health Plaza, which will feature a cancer center, located adjacent to the AdventHealth Palm Coast.
The Pink on Parade 5K will take place on Sunday, October 8 at 7:45am at AdventHealth Palm Coast, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway in Palm Coast. For more information, or to register now, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PalmCoast/pink5k
Those that want to contribute to the cause prior to the event will have the opportunity to do so at this month’s City of Palm Coast Food Truck Tuesday event, taking place on Tuesday, September 19 at 5pm at Central Park in Town Center where the Pink on Parade 5K will be the main beneficiary. For more information on that event, visit https://fb.me/e/xuUDQTFe
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