SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Hundreds and hundreds of people teamed up Saturday in the battle against a disease affecting more than a quarter-million new patients in the U.S. each year.
The 11th annual 5k race for breast cancer awareness formerly called Paint Pittson Pink shifted to the Electric City for its inaugural downtown Scranton run.
It’s more than just a race, it’s a celebration of strength, resilience, and community
Paint the Planet Pink started in 2014 as Paint Pittston Pink. An initiative created by Barbara Sciandra after her own battle with breast cancer
"I was diagnosed with breat cancer in 2012 after the birth of our third daughter, So after my own struggles I really wanted to do something to help other people and this was just the best outlet to be able to do something like that," said Sciandra.
After ten great years in Pittson, it was time to expand, aiming to spread their message even further
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"Part of our mission statement is to bring the community together, so we talk alot about an invisible line between luzerne and lackawanna county, and our mission this year is really to cross that line and just bring as many people together as we can," says Sciandra.
Hundreds of participants gathered in a powerful display of hope coming together to run, walk, and show their unwavering support for the cause
"It felt really good to run for the cause, I had a couple people in my family who've had breast cancer so it felt kind of personal for me to be running this," added Matthew Felicia the overall male winner from New Jersey.
"I love the cause and I wanted to do my best to support the community and contribute my part to the community," stated Grace Bennet the over-female winner from Clarks Summit.
"It feels great im glad we all did it together," continued Samantha Colby a participant from Connecticut.
Some participants took it a step further making a dash in high heels
"Everybody's impacted by cancer you either have some sort of acquaintance, somebody in the friend group, family member that has been affected by it, and it affects the entire family and surrounding community so its really great to be apart of an organization that really cares for them and fights for them," explained Kevin Casson a participant in the gentlemen's dash.
Awards were given to winners in various age groups but the real victory was the overwhelming support for cancer research.
So far paint the planet pink has raised more than $70,000 for cancer research this year alone and more than 900,000 to date.
To learn more about the non-profit and how to donate to them visit their website.
