SCRANTON -- Breast cancer survivors and their supporters turned downtown Scranton pink Saturday morning, all in the name of saving lives.
At the front of the pack they run against the clock, but many participants in the Susan G. Komen Northeastern Pennsylvania Race for the Cure weren't in a hurry. They were having too much fun.
“It just makes me feel so much better that I can be here with all my sisters in pink,” said Judy Mackiew of Clarks Summit.
This was Marta Castro's first race.
“I just had chemo yesterday, so I am OK to walk this walk,” she said.
But like so many others we met in downtown Scranton, she made it here thanks to the support of a team.
For survivors like Marta, the race isn't about speed. It's about getting out and celebrating being alive.
First timer Rosemarie "Mona" Crotti of Scott Township has around 60 supporters on her squad, even one with four legs, but what makes this moment even more amazing is she had her breast cancer surgery just three weeks ago.
“I am overwhelmed by all this. This was started by my high school friends. I hate to tell you what year we graduated, but it was many moons ago. We have all stuck together,” Crotti said.
The real race isn’t about crossing a finish line, it's saving lives.
Komen raises money for research, screening, and local programs that help people living with breast cancer.
Linda Daigeaun of Scranton runs in memory of her mother Minnie.
“She suffered a very painful death, and I’m hoping that maybe people will be cured faster in the future,” said Daigeaun.
This 26th race featured 70 teams. While each may have different t-shirts and names, they all have one thing in common:
“Family and friends, they take care of me!” Castro said.
