Hundreds of people trekked the Bayfront Trails during the annual Pink Out Color Run Saturday in Hilo.
The 5k fun run and walk celebrates the power of pink in recognition of breast cancer survivors and in remembrance of those lost to the disease. The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and all proceeds will go towards breast cancer research and local patient programs.
Serina Naboa celebrated her survival status by walking with her loved ones during the run.
Naboa, a Hilo resident and mother of eight, was diagnosed with stage three inflammatory breast cancer in 2019. After being in remission for three years, her cancer returned, and she was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer.
“I feel blessed to be alive to walk with my loved ones and so many others in the community who have experience with breast cancer,” Naboa said. “Nowadays, stage four cancer is not a death sentence. There is so much hope now.”
Today, she walks cancer free after originally being told that it was incurable. Naboa received treatments at the East Hawaii Cancer Center.
“Seeing the support from the community makes it so much easier,” Naboa said. “Seeing all the people come out for their family members who have passed or have survived is so heartwarming.”
This was the first time the event took place at the Mo‘oheau Bandstand and Bayfront Trails, where health vendors and activities were available after the run.
“One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and if you think of those numbers in relation to each of our lives, that’s crazy,” said organizer Sarah Luchenbill. “It’s amazing to see so many people come out to support those who have survived and those who have been lost to the disease.”
Some of the funds will go toward statewide patient programs, such as the Hope Lodge in Oahu, which provides free housing and transportation to the hospital for those receiving breast cancer treatments.
American Cancer Society research indicates that 1,480 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the State of Hawaii, with an estimated 180 women dying from the disease.
The numbers reflect an increase in diagnoses from two years ago, which may be a result of a decrease in mammograms, especially in the Asian American and Pacific Islander population during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hawaii Island community has proven time and time again that we come together strongly for a cause, and breast cancer affects us all,” Luchenbill said. “Together, we can work to change this for the better.”
Life-saving cancer research has helped lower the death rate of breast cancer by 42% since 1992 and has provided vital patient support programs.
For more information on breast cancer research and local programs, visit the website at pinkoutcolorrunhilo.org.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com