SAN DIEGO — Many of us have all heard of Susan G. Komen. Well, what is her story?
In the 1980s, after Susan’s breast cancer took away her life, her sister Nancy promised she would do everything in her power to bring an end to breast cancer and the Susan G. Komen Foundation was born. That’s why thousands of people showed up early Sunday for the More Than Pink Walk.
Thousands of walkers painted the town pink Sunday morning for the More Than Pink Walk at Balboa Park.
CBS 8 is a proud partner of this event. Our very own Karlene Chavis emceed the event as our team showed their support.
Everyone came together to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor those who have passed away from the disease, support those who are continuing to fight, and raise funds for research and supportive services for breast cancer patients.
"I just survived 12 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, 25 rounds of radiation, and I completed all my treatments. I am cancer free! This is a huge celebration for me, my family and my friends. I want to cry," said breast cancer survivor, Vanessa Clifford.
"Everyone feels this energy. Everyone feels blessed to be here," said Laura Shepard who has participated in the walk 17 times since her breast cancer diagnosis.
"We are so thankful that our friends... that we are praying for and supporting are doing so well. We can be here to celebrate how well they are doing," said a group of women from Simplicity Church.
The efforts from these annual walks helped reduce deaths from breast cancer by 43% since 1989 according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
People hope that this is another step forward to finding a cure.
"It's an amazing feeling to see all the love that is surrounded by all of us, fighters and survivors. I'm so thankful for this event," said Clifford.