For many Atlanta families, the fight against breast cancer does not end when treatment does. At Lenox Square on Saturday, thousands gathered to honor survivors, remember loved ones and raise money for the next breakthrough.
The 44th annual Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta Race for the Cure returned to Buckhead on Oct. 17, bringing runners, walkers, caregivers and advocates together for Atlanta’s oldest 5K charity run. The event aimed to raise $815,000 for breast cancer research, public policy efforts and patient support services, with donations continuing beyond race day.
The race website reported $545,686.60 raised toward the goal and 3,262 registered participants, at the time of writing. Participants could choose a 5K, a one-mile route or other running and walking options.
According to the American Cancer Society nearly 1 in 8 (13%) of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes.
Michele Howell, executive director of Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, said the annual gathering helps connect the community while supporting people navigating a diagnosis.
“Every year that we’re able to have this event, it’s meaningful that [it] brings the community together to help raise funds for breast cancer awareness, research, discovery for treatments, and helping people that have been diagnosed,” Howell said.
The money raised supports research into new treatments, including options for people living with metastatic breast cancer. Howell said Komen has played a role in the development of 31 of 32 FDA-approved drugs for breast cancer, emphasizing the need for continued discoveries.
But the organization’s work extends beyond research. Its patient care center helps patients and caregivers identify questions to ask doctors, navigate treatment and find screening resources.
“Early detection is everything,” Howell said, encouraging people to get screened and discuss their family histories with health care providers.
For Sydnee Walker, the cause is personal. Walker joined her mother, Donna, a 19-year breast cancer survivor who is still fighting the disease, at the race. The family’s experience stretches back generations: Walker said her grandfather died of breast cancer in 1986, and since then, five of his eight daughters and one of his four sons have been diagnosed.
Walker has accompanied her mother to appointments, helped manage medications and supported her through treatment. The pair have participated in the race together for five or six years.
“As a caregiver, I want people to know I’m here to support my mom and also other people going through disease,” Walker said .
Their story underscores the role family members play alongside patients, even as they navigate the uncertainty and daily demands of treatment.
The event also offered opportunities to remember those who have died. Lindsey Jones, director of marketing at Lenox Square, pointed to a remembrance tent where participants could write messages to loved ones they had lost.
“We hope number one to raise money for breast cancer research,” Jones said. “…and to celebrate the survivors.”
Lenox Square has hosted the race since 2012, with the partnership growing through year-round coordination with Komen, vendors and the Atlanta Police Department to manage activities and road closures.
“We’re more than a shopping destination. We’re the community hub,” Jones said, describing Lenox Square’s commitment to supporting local events and causes.
The shopping center’s next community event will focus on another cancer affecting women. On Dec. 1, Lenox Square will host Teal the Heal, a fashion show benefiting the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Survivors will serve as models after makeovers and styling.
The two events focus on different cancers, but both create opportunities for survivors to share their experiences and bring people together around support and awareness.
Although Saturday’s race brought the community together for one morning, Howell said the work continues long afterward. People can still donate, volunteer or seek help through Komen’s website.
For participants carrying memories of loved ones or walking beside someone still in treatment, every mile offered a reminder that the fight against breast cancer is not theirs to face alone.
