WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Hundreds of community members gathered Saturday morning to support the fight against breast cancer.
The More Than Pink Walk is the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s biggest event and symbolizes how much people in the Wabash Valley care about ending this disease.
Both survivors and their family and friends came together to show their support in the search for a cure. Lori Mitchell is the development manager for Susan G. Komen, and she said breast cancer impacts millions of Americans each year.
“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. That number alone means that someone in my group of friends or family will be diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Mitchell.
Music was a big part of this year’s walk. There were multiple people and groups from the community that performed to showcase the love and support survivors have in the community.
Tawnya Sheffield is a breast cancer survivor, and she said that was one of many reasons why she loves this event.
“As a survivor, this walk is very important and very emotional because you see the community come out and support you and knows what you’ve gone through. You also have folks with you that know what you have gone through. It’s just a wonderful time with lots of support and I love it,” said Sheffield.
One of the leading fundraisers were the Marshall Milkmaids. The group was the runner up for most money received as a group and were home to the top individual fundraiser.
Her name is Maggie Murphy, and she said she’s thankful to work with others in her community who are all working towards the same group.
“I have a great group of gals. They are very motivated to support this cause. We’ve got several members that are fighting and have fought from our community. We just wanted to support this wonderful cause,” said Murphy.
These events will not stop until they finally find a cure. That constant battle is what makes these groups so strong.
“Being a survivor, it means everything to me to help anybody that is fighting the same fight,” added Murphy.
This event raised nearly $50,000 due to the hard work and dedication of many groups and individuals across the Wabash Valley.
