SCRANTON -- The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is an event that quickly transforms downtown Scranton. The city, became a place filled with pink worn by nearly 9,000 people determined to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer. Some came here for the race. Others, came to lend a hand.
"It just touches my heart. I just finished my treatments for ovarian cancer. So I thought, I'm not in shape to run the five miles this year, but I can come out and volunteer," said Elieen Boutin of Scranton.
Around every corner on Courthouse Square so many stories of survival including Kaleena Dughi's from Rome, Bradford County.
"What I've gone through has been the most amazing journey. I've learned a lot about myself and my friends. I can't even talk. They've been amazing," said Dughi.
Kaleena's friends, just some of the many, showed signs of solidarity and racing for a cure.
The 5k itself, marked its 23rd year in the Electric City.
Organizers tell us the race involved more than 4,000 participants. Each of them, out here for a different reason.
"My wife and I are running for our pastor from the green ridge assembly of god church," said one participant.
Another woman claimed she was "running for my dear friend Donna."
Thanks to all of those who attended, the event raised more than $275,000.
"75% of all the proceeds that we receive remain right here in northeastern Pennsylvania to fund education, screening and treatment grants for undeserved and uninsured women and men throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. While 25% funds national research," said Dolly Woody with NEPA Race for the Cure.
And it's that research, that's leading to new treatments for women and men in our area. Including Willard MaClearly of Honesdale who is battling his third fight against breast cancer.
"I know, especially this year with all of the different kinds of chemo therapies I've been on, how important research is every one, of them was a new one," said MaCleary
All, thanks to a one day race that's impact is forever.