PALM COAST, Fla. – October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and on Sunday, October 6, in the pouring rain, hundreds of committed runners and walkers took to the starting line to show their support in the battle against breast cancer for the annual Pink on Parade 5K and 1-Mile Pet Friendly Walk.
Hosted by AdventHealth Palm Coast in conjunction with the City of Palm Coast, the event has become a tradition that many in Flagler County get behind, showing their support in one way or another, including James Hirst, Recreation Director for Palm Coast’s Parks and Recreation Department.
“This is awesome. Personally, my mom went through breast cancer. She just got done with chemo this year, so yeah, this is an awesome day,” shared Hirst, overwhelmed by the support, even in the rain.
“This community is awesome, right? They always come out and do this. Rain, wind, cold, whatever. Like last year was cold, so they show up, and we love AdventHealth. We have this and some other programs as well, so we love to work with them all the time.”
In addition to the Pink on Parade, more than two dozen major events are scheduled throughout mid-September to the end of October, designed to help raise funds for qualified patients in need of breast cancer diagnostic screenings, support and care.
“As we continue to expand our cancer care services in Flagler County, it’s so important for the community to come out and support us, support those who have survived,” said Denyse Bales-Chubb, President and CEO for AdventHealth Palm Coast and the Flagler and St. Johns market.
“We love the opportunity to involve our community in such an event. The partnership with the city and making sure that runs smoothly is so important.”
Surrounded by members of his staff, Shawn Rhoton, Director of Oncology Operations at AdventHealth Palm Coast and of the soon-to-be-open Freytag Cancer Center stood near the new survivor bell, where each person who has survived breast cancer was invited to take the ‘Survivor Strutt’ as cheerleaders and the community expressed their support.
“Me and my team come out and support this event every year. We’re especially excited that we have the new survivor bell that will actually be debuted also with the new building that will be open soon. We’re excited to get out here and make sure we had this for everybody to ring,” said Rhoton, enthusiastic about the turnout.
“Not surprised at all. The Palm Coast community does a wonderful job of supporting all the survivors out here and obviously they’re excited. They rang the bell really loud.”
It seems that everyone knows someone affected by the deadly disease. Survivor Carla Cline served as the face of 2024 Pink on Parade and was the very first to ring the bell.
“It was very emotional. You come to these events and everybody’s celebrating and it’s super fun, and then all the sudden you start walking and it hits you,” said Cline. “I have met so many true warriors, and that is not a joke. That word means a lot, it’s heavy.”
Cline was public as she went through her journey, inspiring others and helping to create awareness for the importance of screenings, on a larger scale through her social media presence.
“I feel like people if they know, they are amazing and wonderful and supportive. It’s really allowing yourself to talk about it. It’s not something that you should do alone. I have met people that didn’t want to share their story which I understand. But man, when you share, people can help you.”
The 2024 Pink on Parade 5K and 1-Mile Pet Friendly Walk drew 700 registered participants and raised $25,000 this year.
For more information on the supporting the fund for breast cancer diagnostics or to receive information on assistance with screenings, contact John Subers, Director of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation at (386) 586-4440 or visit www.adventhealth.com/foundation/adventhealth-foundation-central-florida/palm-coast-foundation.
Additional Upcoming “Pink Army” Events:
iFish Flagler (Rescheduled to November 2 – tentative)
Palm Coast Row Club event on Saturday, Oct. 19
BOLD Ladies Pivot in Pink on Tuesday, Oct. 15 (5-7 PM at Serendipity Marketplace)
Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Comedy Show- “3 Hilarious Women” on Oct. 26
Oceanside Pickleball Tournament at Southern Recreation Center on Oct 25-27
Shoot for a Cause at the Flagler County Gun and Archery Club on Oct. 28
