Great Minds Pink Alike

An estimated 37,000 men, women, and children invaded the streets of downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock this past Saturday to participate in Race for the Cure. An ocean of pink shirts flooded the streets in honor of breast cancer survivors, those who have passed, and those who are still fighting.

Along with those marching towards a cure, there was also plenty of support on the sidelines. Hundreds flaunted posters and offered high-fives and hugs as the walkers made their way through the course. If you participated in the race, you may have found yourself enjoying the view of supportive signs saying things like, “Almost there!” and “I believe in you!”

Whether you come out to support people you may not even know or if you have a more personal connection, the desperation and passion for finding the cure is evident. On people’s backs, there are various names emphasized with “In Memory Of” or “In Honor Of”. Just looking at pictures of the event, you can easily point out a handful of posters with a loved one’s name written on them.

The funds raised every year at Race for the Cure are undoubtedly used for good. 75% of the funds are put towards local cancer research. The other 25% percent is used in global education and grant programs ultimately going towards research as well.

Not only does the event support survivors and fighters financially, it also supports them emotionally. When almost 40,000 strangers come together to defend one cause, a common ground is formed. If you were one of those strangers, I would like to thank you for taking your time to support the cause. We forget that we may not have seen each other once in our entire lives. We are all standing for one cause that has hurt so many, and yet we are made stronger in the support and presence of one another. We are one big, pink, cancer-abolishing family of strangers.

Have you or your loved ones been affected by breast cancer? I would be very interested in hearing your story via email. Thank you for reading.