WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Thousands of breast cancer survivors, family and friends gathered Saturday morning at the Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach for the Susan G. Komen More than Pink Walk.
The annual walk raises money for breast cancer research. organizers said more than $394,000 was raised.
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"More than Pink is a movement because breast cancer is more than just pink ribbons and pink," Jamie Bellamy, development director of Susan G Komen Florida, said. "It's about coming together and raising funds for those that have been affected by breast cancer and also prevention, making sure that we send out the messaging that people need to get screened and talk to their doctors so that we prevent breast cancer before it happens."
Amy Effman never thought the word cancer would be in her vocabulary.
"I was diagnosed in July of 2022," Effman said. "It was very difficult because a lot of the things that I thought I would do in life were either put on hold or eliminated from my life."
She was recognized as one of this year's Pink Warriors.
"I'm trying to keep a strong mind, stay positive and shift my perspective," Effman said. "Do the best that I could do with what I have now."
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But, for Jessica Patykula, that statistic hit her twice.
"I was first diagnosed in January of 2019 and then two years later in 2021, it came back," Patykula said.
She volunteered for the walk growing up. Five years later, she stands on the other side as a survivor.
"It just means everything," Patykula. said. "When you look out into the sea of pink and everyone is leaning on each other, they're hugging, they're crying, they're sharing stories."
Now Patykula and Effman are sharing their message of hope with others battling breast cancer.
"Stay strong and when things get really tough, keep pushing," Effman said.
"Don't give up and lean on the people around you," Patykula said. "It really does take an entire community to lift you back up."
WPTV anchor Shannon Cake served as master of ceremonies for the event.
