Saturday, a sea of pink welcomed runners to Walnut Hill park in New Britain.
Their goal was to cross the finish line and raise money for breast cancer research.
Race in the Park is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, which says it won't stop running towards its goal of finding a cure.
“There’s 23 different types of breast cancer and they’re working on five or six particular types of breast cancer. Their research over at the UConn Medical Center is very close to finding a cure,” said Rick Buckley, who sits on the board of the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative.
He said doctors have told the organization that a cure for certain types of breast cancer could come in five years.
The initiative has awarded nearly three-million-dollars to Connecticut hospitals researching breast cancer. They hoped to raise another $700,000 through Saturday's race.
Not only focused on finding a cure, the race was also an opportunity for survivors to check-in with each other.
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“I’m a 22-year breast cancer survivor. I just put my 22nd ribbon on my hat,” said Marsha Goldstein of Newington.
“I’m actually going through breast cancer right now,” said Rachel Correa of New Britain. “Coming here, seeing everyone else has given me a lot of strength, and hope, and courage.”
“I’m one of the lucky ones. I have 19 ribbons. I look to have 25 like the person sitting next to me. The person on the other side of me, she may only have two ribbons, but I say to her, you have hope. Look at me,” added Judy Donofrio, also of New Britain.
It’s that support that helps Mary Gotlibowsk, a five-year breast cancer survivor, have an upbeat outlook on her future.
“They are my hope, I know by their success that I can never ever give up,” she explained.
Whether there to inspire, find support, or fight, the thousands crossing the finish line said they were doing it together, one step at a time.
