Enjoying a day in the park on a sunny weekend isn’t an unusual sight.
But when there are more than 500 people gathered together, there’s definitely something special going on.
That was exactly the scene of the recent 5th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk held in Sunnyside Park, sponsored by 4th District Councilwoman Stacy Winfield.
“I started my walk after supporting a very close family friend, Sharma Frazier,” Winfield said. “We were raised to understand when one goes through something, we all go through it.”
That attitude found Winfield and her sister going outside their hometown of East Chicago to attend Breast Cancer Awareness Walks.
“Then I thought to myself — why continue to go to other cities when I could put together my own Walk on behalf of Sharma right here in East Chicago?”
That she did, with fantastic results.
Her motto became “Support a Survivor and take a lap for love.”
During Winfield’s first Walk, there were 12 survivors participating, with 50-60 people walking laps around Sunnyside Park.
This year’s event included 51 Survivors and hundreds of supporters taking part in three laps around the park, as well as a balloon
release in honor of those who died.
Among the survivors at the recent event was 90-year-old Drue Frazier. The East Chicago resident has undergone treatment for two types of cancer. She is a 29-year breast cancer survivor and a 14-year survivor of lung cancer.
Her granddaughter Kimberly Purdimon, who is a one-year breast cancer survivor, accompanied the lively senior citizen to the event.
“I’m so touched (by this event) today,” said Frazier,” as she was led to a chair decorated as a throne. “It’s a great message for making people know how important it is to get tested (with a mammogram).”
Before the Walk began, a portion of the survivors introduced themselves, with a few words of wisdom to the audience.
“Some say the test (mammogram) may hurt a little,” said two-time breast cancer survivor Ann Holland of East Chicago. “But Cancer hurts much worse.”
Another survivor commented: “I had cancer, but cancer didn’t have me.”
Other survivors credited their faith, as well as a great support system.
Supporter Patrice Humphrey of East Chicago was among those lining up for the laps around the park. ‘’This (walk) is a wonderful way to recognize what people with Breast Cancer are going through,” she said. “We have a large group representing United Steelworkers Local 1010, Women of Steel that are showing their support.”
As the Walk started, 51 survivors led the way, with lively music accompanying their trek. It was a sight to see — almost 500 people stepping into the perimeter of Sunnyside Park.
“I pray this (event) helps to bring awareness to all women and men to do their annual mammogram checkups,” added Winfield. “Also, to continue to create awareness of this disease that hits a lot of women in our homes. The fight is not over. Let’s help them continue to thrive 365.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
