Local organization honors cancer patients and survivors at 16th Paint the Town Pink event

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A local organization walked along downtown Columbus dressed in pink to honor cancer patients and survivors on Friday.

The West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition held its 16th “Paint the Town Pink” Walk/Run fundraiser at Woodruff Park.

This year’s Breast Cancer Awareness event focused on the celebration of life and honoring those who are fighting any cancer, have won the battle, and those who have transitioned.

The disease doesn’t just impact the ones fighting it, it involves their support system as well.

The President and CEO of WCGCC reflects on her personal experience with loving those with cancer.

“In ’21, I lost my father to multiple myeloma,” said WCGCC President and CEO Cheryl Johnson. “I lost an aunt after that to breast cancer. I lost a cousin to pancreatic cancer. So cancer is very, very, very important to me, as having been a caregiver, you know, for my father. And so it is personal, but it’s a ministry for me in the organization.”

Cheryl Johnson’s ultimate goal was to have an inclusive event full of fun and celebration, keeping in mind that cancer affects everyone in some shape or form, even children.

The support doesn’t stop with just this event. Anyone can donate or support the cause. All the funds from their Neighbors Helping Neighbors Cancer Assistance Fund remain in the community and go towards patients who are in active treatment.

Donations can be made on their website.