By KERRI BARTLETT
For Brentwood Home Page
On a cold, foggy Saturday morning with a bit of frosted dew still on the ground, an estimated crowd of 25,000 supporters began gathering as early as 6 a.m. at Race Village for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Around 7 a.m., the sun slowly rose to reveal the glistening pink hue over Maryland Farms in Brentwood.
Walkers and runners alike could be seen adorned in their best pink gear including boas, tutus, crazy glasses, striped tights, cowboy hats, pink punk rock wigs, a flamingo hat, even a pink beehive-do as well as a very nicely tailored pink polyester suit with a matching top hat – the theme seemed to be the pinker, the crazier, the better.
However, chilled, red noses in the crowd clashed with the multitude of creative pink costumes due to low temperatures reaching 34 degrees with a high of only 58. Although the air was quite crisp in the early morning shadow, no one complained.
Hevenile Robertson of the Hakuna Ma TaTa’s from Antioch whose team walked in honor of Margaret Quarles said, “It’s hard to complain about being cold when the survivors go through so much.”
The feeling of warmth, love and support generating from the crowd broke the chill in the air and instead created an atmosphere of celebration, hope and remembrance.
Much of the group celebration took place at Race Village where about 13,000 registered walkers and runners including teams with creative names such as Hakuna Ma TaTa’s, Saving Second Base, The Rack Pack, Titties In the City and The Pink Pimps and Hootchie Mamas joined in the celebration and prepared for the walk/run at 9 and 9:15 a.m. respectively.
A prayer was said and rousing inspirational songs were performed by Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church during the Survivor Parade. The crowd cheered in honor and thankfulness as survivors walked through a path to the front of the stage and were recognized by pats on the back, clapping and cheering as the choir made a joyful noise.
Before the race began, the pinked-out groups mingled and shared their unique stories about why they were participating and what made the race so special to them.
Kimberly Gayle, a student at MTSU and member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, said that after her experience helping a victim of breast cancer at the race in 2008, she has become a loyal participant ever since.
At the 2008 race, Gayle met a special woman who became so overwhelmed by the atmosphere of love at the race that she began to lose her breath. Gayle tried to help warm her and quickly got her something to drink.
“I never forgot the impact that the race had on her," Gayle said. "Earlier that day, I had complained about getting up at 4:30 in the morning and about how cold it was, but I have never complained since. Twenty minutes with a complete stranger changed my life.”
Also, one of the reasons that Gayle joined ZTA was because of the sorority’s involvement in philanthropy projects with breast cancer awareness organizations. This year, the sorority sponsored the Survivor Parade along with Kroger.
Team CKOB participating for Christina O’Brien, 33, who was diagnosed with breast cancer a month ago, shared that they are inspired by O’Brien and proud to be supporting her.
Through watery eyes, team member Julie Smith said, “Christina has such an amazing spirit. She has been so positive through the whole process and is truly an inspiration to others.”
O’Brien has no family history of breast cancer and was at first turned down for early detection screening because she was under 40. However, upon going back to the doctor with persistence to be screened, she was then diagnosed.
“It has been so touching to see how many people have come together to create such a huge support system for her,” team member Crystal Contreras said.
The night before the race, the Pink Pimps and Hootchie Mamas dyed their hair pink and were proud to support Cinda Sammons, a survivor of 11 years. The team said that it is so important and special to be able to support the ones that you love. The team was comprised of members from Maryland (Sammons’ home state), South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Also, team Hunters for Hooters supported survivor of 6 years Tammy Ratliff, who sported a beehive pink wig about a foot high.
“There might be some people who can’t walk, and someday I might not be able to walk, so I am walking now to support everyone that I can,” Ratliff said.
Patty Williams, a 20-year survivor, had much support including Paul Laizure, a part of her entourage who was decked out in an eye-catching pink polyester suit matched with a festive top hat. Like other survivors, Williams said that she was very blessed to be participating in the race and was touched by friends and family who gathered to support her cause and the cause of so many others.
However, one special cause can lead to raising awareness about another when others care. One such example is the formation of Team Holly Bobo. When Marissa Stone, 15, of Nashville was signing up for the race, the Komen pink ribbon (Bobo’s favorite color and a symbol worn by her supporters) made her think of the missing young woman, a 20-year-old nursing student from Parsons, Tenn.
That connection was enough for Stone to join a Komen team from Bobo’s home church, Corinth Baptist Church in Darden, Tenn., near Parsons.
“I wanted to raise awareness that Holly is still missing and that no missing person’s name should be forgotten, so we formed Team Holly Bobo," Stone said. "It is so sad to hear about her story and to know that it has happened so close to home. It has been amazing to meet her family and her support system. She has such a beautiful family.”
When asked how he felt about a stranger showing such concern for Bobo’s disappearance, Pastor Don Franks of Corinth Baptist Church said, “We appreciate what anyone can do. We hope that people keep praying and keep their eyes open. So many people have helped us and helped us search; this is a way to give back.”
Whether survivor, supporter or one who is in the midst of their battle with cancer, most participants seemed to view the race as a way to give back, show support, remember and honor their loved ones.
U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Komen Greater Nashville Executive Director Patty Harman and Komen Manager of Affiliate Support Emily Lesko (who traveled from Dallas to be a part of the race) spoke about the day’s events throughout the various ceremonies.
“I am so pleased to work with Komen for so many years," said Blackburn, a Brentwood resident. "The Tennessee Breast Coalition does such a wonderful job in raising awareness. I am thrilled that everyone can come together for this cause in Brentwood and welcome people from all over the state. It’s time to push for the cure.”
The winner of the 5K race was Bob Evans, a “joggler” -- a person who jogs while juggling. Evans set the record for fastest joggling in the Guinness Book of World Records by finishing first place in the Komen 5K run with a time of 16:52.
Evans and his wife Trish took sabbaticals and have been traveling around the U.S. providing entertainment and raising awareness about different charities. Over the past six weeks, they have participated in six different charity races in six different cities and were excited to represent Vanderbilt’s Juggling and Physical Arts Club, “Catch It Early” at the race Saturday.
At the race’s end, Mayor Paul Webb officially declared October 29, 2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Day on the behalf of the City of Brentwood. “This is a great day for Brentwood. Everyone has worked so hard to make this a special event, and we welcome Race for the Cure back next year,” Webb said.
Even though the day began a little chilly, all participants made warm memories that will last until it’s time to go pink again next year.
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