MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WMBF) – This year’s In the Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk raised more money than ever before and had more participants than ever before.
People gathered for the annual Tidelands Health in the Pink Walk on Saturday, but this time it was held in a new location.
“When I come back here and see Brookgreen Gardens, I’m really in awe,” Hannah said.
Hannah recalls when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Of course we heard that ‘c’ word and our family was torn apart,” she said.
Her mother celebrated 15 years of being cancer-free this month, which is a big reason to celebrate.
Like Hannah’s mother, many people are affected by this disease. One in eight women in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer, and in South Carolina it is the second leading cause of death for women after heart disease.
Many of the participants in the walk shared their stories with WMBF News.
“It’s been 21 years,” Diana Chimbok said.
“So my mother and my grandmother both had breast cancer, and they both survived,” Eilee Simpson said.
“My great-grandmother,” young Waylon explained.
“My mother is like that,” Jametria Hanna said.
“My first round of chemotherapy was from April to June 10th,” said Dawn Konopka.
The views at Brookgreen Gardens were spectacular, and so many people were there to cheer us on.
“It’s very enlightening. It’s very energizing. It just makes me feel very happy,” Chimbok said.
“I just get to see so many happy faces and I love seeing people happy,” Waylon explained. “I just love seeing everyone come together as a community, as families, and as supporters and survivors,” Eilee Simpson said.
Saturday’s walk was enjoyed by many and several records were broken.
“As you can see, we had record attendance this year. Over 2,100 people registered. We raised over $180,000 so we’re thrilled,” said Amy Stevens with Tideland Health. said.
Although the walk ends on Saturday, the effort to find a cure for breast cancer and the desire to honor all those who have fought the disease continues.
These women had some advice and words of encouragement to share.
“Rely on your family and friends. You’re not going to walk alone. It’s great to have support,” Konopka said.
“Believe in God, because without God nothing happens. Yes, we have doctors, so they help us. But believe in God, that support system is very It’s important,” Hannah said.
“Having breast cancer doesn’t make you any less of a woman, and it doesn’t make you any less of a woman. If you have it and overcome it, it makes you stronger.” said Simpson.
Tidelands Health expects even more people to take part in the 2025 walk.
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