Thousands expected to gather in West Palm Beach to fight breast cancer
Going strong now for more than three decades, the 2024 Susan G. Komen West Palm Beach More Than Pink walk will take place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach.
Featuring thousands of pink-clad survivors, supporters and warriors, this two-mile stroll along the Intracoastal Waterway on Flagler Drive, is a show of strength and determination in the battle against breast cancer.
Though the event once featured a 5K race called "Race for the Cure," in recent years officials have pivoted to make it simply a walk to better serve those participants who are currently in treatment and their supporters.
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That doesn't mean, however, that people can't run it for fun as some people do, making multiple trips along the course.
Anticipating a turnout of 4,500 people, Komen, the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, will use the money raised during this event to continue its mission to provide financial assistance to breast cancer patients, pay for groundbreaking research, empower health equity initiatives and advocate for change at both the state and federal levels.
Organizers note the direct financial assistance to breast cancer patients is vital. Those who are diagnosed can apply for a grant through the organization and, after a vetting process, use that money to pay for things like rent, electricity, car payments and groceries while they are undergoing treatment. The funding amount is based on applicant's breast cancer stage.
Komen is also working with the federal government to speed the process for assistance for those diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Under the current system, those patients cannot access their social security benefits for five to seven months after filing the necessary paperwork. Sadly, this is sometimes too late.
Since being founded in 1982, the organization reports it has donated $1.1 billion towards breast cancer research. The first event was held in 1983 in Dallas one year later. There are now more than four dozen events held around the country. Last year's local walk raised $410,000. This year, organizers are aiming for $550,000.
Once again WPTV-Ch. 5's Shannon Cake will be master of ceremonies. She is a longtime supporter of the walk, and WPTV is Komen's official media partner.
The event will feature a 20-minute opening ceremony with two breast cancer survivors speaking onstage.
The walk raises money through a mix of corporate and local sponsors, teams and individuals.
Some of the local sponsors include Tropical Shipping, FPL, South Florida Ford Dealers, Good Samaritan Medical Center and, the local presenting sponsor: University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center located a short distance from the Meyer Amphitheatre near Elisabetta's Ristorante.
Granola bars, bananas, bottled water and more will be available to participants.
If you go
What: Susan G. Komen West Palm Beach More Than Pink walk to raise money
Where: Meyer Amphitheatre, 104 Datura St., West Palm Beach
When: on-site registration opens at 7 a.m.; opening ceremony is 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27
Information: komen.org
Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He has lived in the West Palm Beach area for more than 30 years and, from mild to wild, will cover noteworthy community happenings. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: More Than Pink Walk expected to draw thousands to fight breast cancer
