Rogers-Lowell Area News

More Than 3,000 People Come Together for 2019 Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk

More than 3,000 people came to honor those who we have lost, celebrate those who have survived and support everyone currently living with breast cancer, while making a tremendous impact in the fight to create a world without breast cancer on Saturday, April 27 for the Komen Ozark MORE THAN PINK Walk. The event raised over $750,000 for breast cancer treatment, patient advocacy and lifesaving research.

“We can’t thank everyone enough who showed up to walk with us for their passion and support,” said Komen Ozark Executive Director, Lauren Marquette. “The funds raised through the MORE THAN PINK Walk ensure that we will be able to continue supporting our neighbors affected by breast cancer today, while helping to search for tomorrow’s cures.”

Jake McBride charged up the crowd, noting that we stand as a united community, ready to do everything we can to save lives and end breast cancer. The emotional and engaging opening ceremonies kicked off by local breast cancer survivor-Claudia Joseph and Kathey Rhoads, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, with a Parade of Hope, honoring and recognizing all the local survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Thanks in part to funds raised by the Komen Ozark MORE THAN PINK Walk, Susan G. Komen is able to invest in breakthrough research and ensure that all those diagnosed with breast cancer receive the care they need. To help bring this work to life, the ceremony featured short stories of people in our community who represent how Komen is helping drive research, provide needed care, mobilize communities and take action in the fight to end breast cancer.

Tameka Bailey is a University of Arkansas breast cancer researcher and former Komen Scholar. Her current research focuses on metastatic breast cancer and she represented the RESEARCH Pillar.

Martha Bailey is a local breast cancer survivor who received Komen Ozark funding for navigation and screening and treatment assistance. Martha represented the CARE Pillar.

Dr. Danna Grear is a local radiologist with The Breast Center, A MANA Clinic. Dr. Grear is a longtime Komen supporter, advocate, fundraiser and board member. Dr. Grear is also a breast cancer survivor and represented the ACTION Pillar.

Torie Smith is a local advocate for Komen Ozark who is living with metastatic breast cancer. Torie testified for the passage of Step Therapy Legislation recently and, thanks to Torie’s efforts, the bill is now a law in the state of Arkansas. Torie represented the ACTION Pillar.