LOUISVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — Every year, breast cancer survivors walk the track at Churchill Downs and celebrate their accomplishments.
Although survivors stayed home this year, the Norton Healthcare Foundation still wants to honor them.
It's a celebration that's ingrained in Oaks Day. The survivor walk is an iconic moment for breast cancer survivors and their loved ones, to hear people in the crowd, cheering them on.
"Some of our Norton cancer survivors, who have walked, have said it's one of those days up there that have ranked with their wedding day, having their children, it's that important to them just to know that there's a whole community of people supporting them," Anne Cannon, with the Norton Healthcare Foundation, said.
Normally, at Churchill Downs on Oaks Day, $1 from every Lilly drink sold is donated to the Norton Healthcare Foundation's Institute Breast Health Program. All the donations from today help the foundation all year long with expenses like funding for their mobile prevention screening.
With no Lilly drinks to be sold at this year’s event, the Norton Cancer Foundation is asking folks to raise a toast to those affected by breast cancer by donating $1 through its website.
"That allows us to provide mammograms, 3D mammograms and other important cancer screening for women in neighborhoods who have limited access. And we know those screenings are so important at that first line of prevention and fighting breast cancer and other types of cancer. Because once you're screened, you know and you can get the care and treatment you need," Cannon said.
