The 6th Annual Paint the Park Pink event in Fort Smith starts first thing Saturday morning. The walk raises money for breast cancer research, education, and care services.
“I was diagnosed 8 years ago, October of 2004,” said Lorie Robertson, a breast cancer survivor.
At just 37-years-old, Robertson found out she had breast cancer. “I've had a lumpectomy and 3 surgeries and 18 chemotherapy treatments and 33 radiation treatments,” she said.
Robertson helped start the annual walk.
“As a survivor I needed to do something more and I needed to make more women aware,” she said.
Money raised at Saturday’s walk with go to the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. They fund breast cancer research and help women without insurance afford mammograms.
“75% of the funds we raise stay local in our local communities to provide these services,” said Teresa Jones, outreach coordinator for the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
With nearly 1500 people already signed up, organizers say this could be the year they break a record.
“There's such a satisfaction that comes out of being involved with something that is so productive and so positive,” said Robertson.
Robertson says faith and family helped her beat breast cancer. She attends the walk every year with family. Robertson’s oldest daughter even had pink hair extensions put in for the big event.
“My heart just swells and it's pride. It's a sense of being alive,” said Robertson.
Paint the Park Pink kicks of Saturday at 10 a.m. It will take place on the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith campus.
Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for kids 18 and under, and $15 for UAFS students with a valid ID. Organizers say participants can register the day of the event.