Breast Cancer Special Edition: Pretty in Pink 5K runs/walks for breast cancer research and treatment

Walk up to any Southeast Missouri State University student on campus and ask them if they know someone who has either been diagnosed with or affected by breast cancer and almost all of them will say yes.

That's because breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed non-skin form of cancer in women.

"Cancer is a worldwide issue," Shannon Daniels, an American Cancer Society volunteer, said. "It's not something that just affects people in this community. It affects people everywhere, and it's something that connects a lot of people on an emotional level."

On Saturday, Oct. 15, the American Cancer Society will host its Pretty in Pink 5K run/walk at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau. Now in its third year, the event raises money for breast cancer research and treatment in the southeast Missouri area and helps fund the American Cancer Society's annual Cure for Cape County Cancer Gala.

The event has traditionally centered on running, but Daniels said this year's organizers have made the fundraiser more accessible to walkers as well.

"We've always allowed walkers, but this year we've actually separated the runners from the walkers so the walkers don't feel intimidated," Daniels said. "The runners will run out on the trail through town, and the walkers will do three laps in Arena Park. It's stroller friendly and they can have their children with them. Almost any of the races in town that have anything to do with breast cancer awareness tend to bring out a lot of walkers, so we wanted to make the event more conducive to that."

Last year the event drew more than 450 participants from around the area and raised $9,000. This year, organizers hope to increase that number to 500 participants and raise $15,000.

In addition to being a fundraiser, Kelli Schenimann, a community manager for the ACS, said a key goal of the event is to raise awareness of the disease and help educate participants about detecting the disease early, which is a key factor in the fight against it.

"Numerous studies have shown that early detection saves lives and increases treatment options," Schenimann said. "The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent among individuals whose cancer has not spread beyond the breast at time of diagnosis."

Daniels, who has served as an organizer for the event since its inception, said the Pretty in Pink 5K run/walk is great for the community because most of the money it raises helps people in the local area.

"Since I've been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, I've had the opportunity to see how this money has been used to help people suffering from breast cancer in the community," Daniels said. "I feel good about helping to organize this event because I see the money we raise is used here, as opposed to going somewhere else."

Daniels also said the event is a great way for Southeast students to get involved with the community.

"On an October morning, being out and running or walking with people in the community, you'll meet all sorts of people," Daniels said. "I think it is a good way for students to get out and see just what's out there beyond the university. I know sometimes it's hard for students to remember there's more out there, but cancer is an issue that everyone can relate to in some way, and it's a great way to honor those sisters, mothers, daughters, grandmothers and aunts who have been affected by the disease."

The Pretty in Pink 5K run/walk starts at 8 a.m. on Oct. 15 at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and is $30. Pre-registration is available online at active.com.