DETROIT – More than 2,500 people began their Saturday morning along the Detroit Riverfront wearing the iconic hue of pink symbolizing breast cancer awareness.
In a way, the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure could be considered as one of the many frontlines against eradicating the disease.
“When this street fills up, it’ll be a sea of pink,” said Sean Shacklett, state executive director of Komen Ohio and Michigan
Many people throughout Metro Detroit joined because they’ve survived what many health experts say is the second most common cancer diagnosis for women in the U.S.
“I’m not angry anymore,” said Kelly Brooks, a breast cancer survivor. “I’m really happy to be here.”
Brooks said doctors detected her cancer at Stage 0 and believes early detection, genomic testing and self-advocacy determined her outcome.
Then, there are people who run and walk for those who are no longer with us.
Steve Ekizian lost his wife, Rachel Ekizian, to breast cancer after she successfully beat it in her 30s for a decade before it returned.
“I feel like this was always Rachel’s mission as well,” Steve Ekizian said. “When she was sick, she didn’t waste time like worrying about herself. She was always about how can I express how lucky I am – help others make their way through this journey.”
Of course, there are the fighters.
But no matter where someone may be on their journey, the point is they’re not alone.
“It’s mind-blowing that there’s so much support around you and you feel powerful,” said Kerri Sanders, a survivor.
This year, the 2024 Komen Detroit Race for the Cure raised more than a quarter of a million dollars -- about $63,000 above its initial goal.
Every dollar stays in Metro Detroit and is used for research, free mammograms, transportation and financial assistance.
The hope? There won’t be a race for the cure, but a celebration for the cure.