PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Thousands of people are spending their Mother’s Day raising money and drawing attention to the fight against breast cancer with the 2024 Koman Greater Philadelphia More Than Pink Walk at the Parx Racing track in Bensalem.
Susan G. Koman’s executive director for Pennsylvania and Delaware, Brandie Engelberger, says the day is full of sharing, caring and bonding.
“It’s amazing. Been a Mother’s Day tradition for many, many years — and I feel it’s a great way to do that … whether you’re honoring your mother … some people are honoring their daughter, sister, friend,” Engelberger said.
Despite the unseasonably low temperature, Engelberger said it was an amazing day.
“It’s a beautiful way to come together, to see people, to meet and mingle … who maybe were diagnosed at the same time or have been through similar treatment.”
Thousands of people packed the raceway Sunday morning for the walk. Among them, Raphaele Jean raised thousands of dollars.
“I am a breast cancer patient. Their mission is to help people,” Jean said. “They helped me, and I want to give back.”
Jean says, for her, the day is a time to inspire.
“That monster, it doesn’t have to define us. We have to stand up, do whatever we have to do and enjoy our life.”
It was a very personal experience for Donna Lee Cascone.
“My sister-in-law — we lost her in 2019 to breast cancer. A coworker was 39. Then another friend of ours was 62,” Cascone said.
Cascone says every year that she comes out, she gets a chance to connect with people in a different way.
“I feel a passion for women who don’t have access to care. And being a mom myself, many moms put their kids first and don’t take care of themselves.”
Engelberger says the event has raised over $225,000, and people can still donate until June.