SCRANTON -- Quite the sight in the city of Scranton Saturday morning, pink, pink, and more pink! Thousands rallied for the 24th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
On every corner of courthouse square in Scranton, a story behind almost every one of the more than 5,000 people who signed up for the race.
"This year is obviously very special for me," said Bernie Oldroyd of Alrbightsville, who is battling breast cancer.
People who`ve met Oldroyd know she`s someone usually seen organizing fundraisers for the Susan G. Komen affiliate of northeast Pennsylvania, but this event took on a different feel. After eight years of checkups that brought good news, Oldroyd's breast cancer returned, but she said these signs, these people, and the 24th annual race, are just what she needs to be empowered and beat the disease again.
"I am going to be out there. Two-and-a-half months after my mastectomy, I`m going to try to walk it," said Oldroyd.
For others, the race is one of celebration.
"It`s just wonderful to be alive. Number one! I`m healthy. I`m six years strong, and having five kids it`s important to keep fundraising until we find a cure. I don`t want my children to have to go through this," said Barbara Connolly, a breast cancer survivor.
The Race for the Cure is one of the largest 5K fundraising events to hit northeastern Pennsylvania all year. One hundred percent of the proceeds, all aimed at changing lives. Twenty-five percent goes to national research. The other funds stay in our area.
The NEPA Komen affiliate gives to non-profit groups to help with breast cancer education and treatment programs.
"With the 75%, it remains here locally in northeastern Pennsylvania. Some of our providers are Allied Services Foundation, Candy`s Place and Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, and those are some of the organizations we`ve been funding now 10 plus years," said Dolly Woody, of Susan G. Komen of NEPA.
Whether people finished first or just walked for fun, everyone was there for the same purpose, taking another step toward finding a cure for breast cancer.
"It`s one of the most beautiful events you can ever experience. The sea of pink is overwhelming, inspiring!" said Barbara Connolly of Scranton, breast cancer survivor.
WNEP-TV was a proud media sponsor of the 24th annual Race for the Cure. About 5,000 runners, plus several hundred more supporters, all showed up to support the cause in Scranton.