It’s been ten years since 12 women came together to fight breast cancer, and they’re hoping their fight will bring more support than ever this year. THIS YEAR’S event on Oct. 12 will also include a 5k race for the first time in 10 years. The walk and run will start from the town square in Yates Center.
The Friends For Life group started in 2004 in Yates Center to raise awareness and support for the fight against breast cancer. Every year since, they have organized a walk to raise support; their goal is to keep the money raised local.
“We realized we could keep the money in Woodson County,” Dina Morrison, a Friends member, said. “It’s just people helping people in their own community.”
The group hopes to have 1,000 participants attend this year, Morrison said. Last year over 800 people showed their support. She said every year has been an “overwhelming success” and she expects no different.
The Friends For Life members use the money they raise to assist those afflicted with cancer. Morrison said they assist between 20 and 25 families each year in their area. She said being a member of the group is important to all of the women, but it’s not always the easiest job.
“You definitely become personally attached to the families,” she said. “There’s always some fallback; not everyone survives cancer.”
While she said support for national and international cancer organizations is important, it is also important to bring funds into the local community. The Friends are a registered 501(c)3 organization, and all of the money raised goes to support for cancer patients and their families.
Forms are due Friday to ensure a T-shirt for participants; organizers expect high numbers again this year. The registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race at 7:30 a.m. Cost for the walk/run is $20.
For more information, contact Dina Morrison at [email protected] or at 620-625-3054.
Friends For Life see ten years of success 5k benefit slated Oct. 12
