WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– It was an emotional day for Maggie Murphy and Alissa Huffington.
The pair finished treatments for breast cancer about three weeks ago, on the same day. Now at an event that celebrates survivors, Murphy was overwhelmed with emotion.
“It means the world to me. I’ve just had so many people that I know of that have been affected by it,” she said.
And on Saturday, she was surrounded by hundreds of others at the Susan G. Komen “More than Pink” walk to help raise money for breast cancer research. Lori Mitchell, the Development Specialist for Susan G. Komen’s Indiana and Kentucky division, said she was satisfied with the turnout, especially after two years affected by the pandemic.
“I’m so proud that we’ve got so many people here this morning supporting Komen,” she said. We’ve got new teams, new survivors, that are fundraising this year. So it’s been really heartwarming to see them come together, fundraise for the cause but most importantly, just be here, and meeting each other and supporting each other.”
Murphy and Huffington were a part of one of the top fundraising teams, the Marshall Milkmaids. Wearing shirts that read, “Friends don’t let friends fight cancer alone,” Huffington said the support she received from Murphy was crucial in her battle with cancer.
“We fought at the same time. Having her kind of go first, she was awesome to ask questions, depend on, and support each other at the same time,” she said.
And the support seeped into the festivities on Saturday morning. A “Hope Village” tent was set up for survivors of breast cancer, and they were treated to breakfast as well. A separate tent contained the names of dozens of people who were directly affected by the disease.
“We also have our ‘We Remember’ tent, where our participants can go and take a moment to just write on a card who they’re walking in memory of, or in support of today,” Mitchell said.
For Mitchell, she has seen the widespread impact of breast cancer, and believes events like this are crucial in the fight to find a cure.
“Really important to remember that one in eight people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in our lifetime. For me, that’s my group of friends. Somebody in my close group of friends is going to be diagnosed with breast cancer, so that’s my why,” she said.
Both Murphy and Huffington advised women to make sure they are up-to-date on their checkups. For those who want to donate, more information can be found here.
