Dear Cancer,

What an incredible weekend. I had my first experience participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and wow, did I feel the love. I had been anxiously anticipating this event all week - to be surrounded by breast cancer survivors and those still fighting to be rid of you.

The weather was beautiful. Barely a cloud in the sky and the temperature only got warmer as the morning went on. What a perfect day to remember those who lost their battle, celebrate the survivors, and help support continuing research to end you.

It was really neat to see the amount of people that showed up for the event decked out in pink: pink tutus, pink hats, pink glasses, pink dresses, pink jewelry. Pink - forever now my proud color to wear.

The event kicked off with a parade of hope, where all of the survivors and those still fighting came together to walk a short parade to the cheers and applause of their many supporters. Survivors were grouped by how many years it had been since we had beaten you. I located my group on the far right side, the less than one year group.

While we were waiting for the parade to start, I spoke with several women within my group - all sharing our unique stories. Even though we fight the same fight and were all there because of you, our stories are all so different. Different ages, different stages, different diagnoses, different perspectives, different paths, but one common, uniting goal: to end you forever.

The walk was emotional. When I had signed up for the walk, I was still in the thick of chemo, fighting with everything. I was searching for a way to join my new community to find and give support. Then I received news that you were no longer detectable, you were gone. I needed this walk more than ever, to connect emotionally with others.

When the parade started, it was amazing to feel the love and support from everyone there, all cheering us on. As I started walking, I heard “Yay Kaitie!” being yelled from the crowd - I looked around and found two faces of a wonderful woman and gentleman I had met that morning, who said they would remember my name and keep me in their prayers for my continued recovery. I started tearing up right then. How beautiful to meet two strangers and then have them call my name as I walked in the parade of hope. One of the many moments I will cherish forever.

As I continued to walk, I scanned the faces of my fellow survivors, all walking with smiles, soaking up this moment of victory but continued persistence to fight for those who will unfortunately come after us.

I then found the faces of my team in the crowd; my community of family and friends who showed up to walk alongside me in this journey. People are so incredibly wonderful. My heart was so full.

The event was a beautiful celebration, full of hope, positivity, love, support, and strength. My pink community is amazing.

I look forward to one day being in the 30+ years survivor group, still smiling, walking, and supporting others.

Still fighting to end you.

Sincerely,

Kaitie