JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An 'army of pink' paraded through downtown Jacksonville Saturday morning to spread awareness about breast cancer research.
Hundreds of men, women and children walked three miles for the event. It was hosted by the American Cancer Society and included the well-known First Coast News Buddy Bus. For some people who participated, the walk was to recognize survivors and thrivers.
Every step in their three-mile walk means something; it could be celebrating people who overcame the disease or commemorate the lives lost to breast cancer.
To Brittany Roy, the event hits close because she believes she's 'one step closer to survivorship.'
Roy, 33, was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 3 breast cancer in 2021. She recalled learning her diagnosis shortly before her son's first birthday.
"I've been in vigorous treatments: chemo, radiation, mastectomy," Roy said with a slight smile. "I'm actually about to go in for another surgery Monday."
Despite what she's facing, the Jacksonville mother described herself as a fighter. Fortunately, she is not alone. Roy said she is surrounded by her brothers and sisters in pink.
Roy, who is also serving in the military, said her children deserve the very best. She expressed how she wants to be optimistic and show people she's not giving up.
"I'm in this fight and I'm gonna kick cancer's butt," Roy proclaimed.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.
According to a 2021 report from The Florida Department of Health, the American Cancer Society estimated over 20,000 new cases identified in Florida. In 2019, more than 3,000 women in Florida died from breast cancer.
Experts say early detection of any cancer is critical to having a long and healthy life.