Damp weather can’t dampen spirits at Pink Ribbon Walk in Hempfield
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The damp weather had zero chance of dampening Kelly White’s spirits on Saturday morning.
The Ligonier resident, who is a breast cancer survivor who underwent a mastectomy in May, was attending her first Westmoreland Walks Pink Ribbon Walk. The event is hosted by the nonprofit of the same name that marked 20 years of raising money to help fund not only breast cancer research but also education and treatment.
“(Westmoreland Walks President) Kathy Brown said they had this program that helped people going through treatments,” White said. “She knew that I, myself, just had a double mastectomy, asked if I needed help. Kathy offered to take me to my appointments — so I have to walk!”
Despite the dreary weather at Twin Lakes Park in Hempfield, White was hardly alone.
More than 360 people had pre-registered for the walk, according to Westmoreland Walks Vice President Cricket Rizzo of Greensburg. In addition to the usual pink accoutrements, pink umbrellas were the order of the day as an overcast morning and occasional wind kept a steady drizzle falling.
In addition to Rostraver cancer survivor Kate Crawford, state Senate majority leader and breast cancer survivor Kim Ward also spoke with those in attendance about the importance of the work done by groups like Westmoreland Walks.
“Pink’s pretty, but not really. There’s nothing pretty about breast cancer,” Ward said. “It’s really been quite a journey, but it’s really brought more awareness for me about what people are going through.”
Ward then invited all the breast cancer survivors in the crowd to dance their way along the floating stage at Twin Lakes Park as Sound Advice DJs spun KC & the Sunshine Band’s “Celebration,” an ironic counterpoint to the gray skies.
“Honoring the survivors is always my favorite part,” Rizzo said.
Ward said her cancer experience taught her that she needed to use her position to not only help spread awareness about breast cancer but also to help women going through it.
This summer, both the Senate and House unanimously passed Senate Bill 445, which would allow Pennsylvanians to donate $5 to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Research Grants Initiative when they renew their driver’s licenses.
Westmoreland Walks has raised more than $600,000 during its two decades, including $60,000 in Pink Ribbon Scholarships, presented to graduating Westmoreland County seniors whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.
Proceeds from events like the walk also help families experiencing financial hardship due to breast cancer through the Pink Angel Fund, and even help with simple expenses.
“We’ve bought groceries, helped with co-pays, that sort of thing,” Rizzo said.
For more, see WestmorelandWalks.org.