Thousands Race for the Cure, despite weather

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - More than 40,000 Americans die every year from breast cancer.

For nearly 30 years, a local non-profit has held a 5-K for survivors and supporters, known as Race for the Cure.

"You need to be strong, show up, get up, dress up and be there. Be there for everyone else," said Sue Baldwin.

Baldwin, surrounded by friends she met through Susan G. Komen events, has been battling breast cancer off and on since 2005. She had chemo Tuesday. 5 days later, she's walking in the Race for the Cure, as is Charneen Nichelson-Briggs.

"I'm a fighter. Still going through chemo. Amazing to meet people, to listen to their stories. I see people every year," Nichelson-Briggs said.

Ahead of the 5K race, survivors and forever fighters battling metastatic breast cancer are honored, encouraged and empowered in the annual parade of pink and purple down the Art Museum steps.

"It's sobering, the number of lives this touches," said Doctor Rick Bleicher.

Fox Chase Cancer Center surgeon Rick Bleicher walked because there is still no cure.

"We make strides every year minimizing surgeries, making them more effective, more targeted. We have more targedted agents to fight the specific types of breast cancer. So, women are living longer, but there is a tremendous amount left to do," Dr. Bleicher said.

"This is our mom, Julie Kauker. Diagnosed in 2006, passed away April 6, 2011. Dad died 10 months later of a broken heart," said Kathleen Lawrie.

"My wife just passed away February 2018," said Mickey Argentiero.

"She's over watching us, so it's Mother's Day here to support her and celebrate today," said Mary Siderio.

Through sadness and loss, these walks raise awareness and breed hope.

"I watched the race on tv last year. I had just found out I had stage 3 breast cancer and I was really scared. It meant a lot to watch it on tv. I wanted to be here this year. If there's anybody out there watching that just found out they have it, I want them to know, it's okay," said Jennifer Caprarola.

It is okay and events like this on that draw tens of thousands of people to help cancer patients understand that they are never battling alone.

For more information on Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Philadelphia, click here.