Peoria Walk Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Research

A sea of pink flooded the streets of Peoria on Saturday as hundreds rallied to support breast cancer survivors and fund lifesaving research.

The Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk drew survivors, families, and supporters to Peoria Metro Centre for a community celebration that raises money for research, patient care, and treatment breakthroughs. Teams wore pink and walked together to honor loved ones fighting or lost to breast cancer.

"We are here to honor our survivors. We are here to remember those who have lost their fight to breast cancer," said Jordan Klum, executive director of Central Illinois Memorial Market. "We are also here to raise awareness about the importance of raising dollars, because we know that it's dollars that are going to fund the research that help us find the cure."

Among the walkers was Kathryn Spitznagle, a breast cancer survivor of 19 years who is still in treatment. She described the event as rejuvenating for survivors like herself.

"These are my peeps. I love being here, it's rejuvenating all of us as survivors," Spitznagle said. "We say it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a community to be a survivor."

The Ripple Effect

The funds raised extend far beyond a single walk. This year's event supports Komen's Patient Care Center, which provides information, support services, and financial assistance for patients in active treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer.

The money also accelerates research breakthroughs and improves treatment outcomes for the one in eight women and men affected by breast cancer. Peoria area residents have supported this mission for decades, creating a lasting impact on cancer research and patient care.

Every step taken on Saturday represents hope for better treatments, more survivors, and ultimately, a cure.