'Pounding the Pavement for Pink' 5k in Seymour raises awareness for breast cancer

(Photos submitted by Mary Deming)

SEYMOUR >> More than 1,800 people laced up their running shoes last weekend to partake in Seymour Pink's annual "Pounding the Pavement for Pink" 5K race and walk, which raises awareness, support and money for breast cancer.

The event, which Seymour Pink Founder Mary Deming said drew 76 breast cancer survivors, 72 teams of people formed to honor loved ones fighting the disease and those who lost their battle, 110 volunteers and runners from 12 different states, even some from Australia who told Deming they planned their holiday to America around the 5K.

"The sense of community, the sense of HOPE, the presence of the survivors with us...it is UNBELIEVABLE," Deming said.

Deming said many community organizations and local businesses participated again this year, noting that Hayne Construction had more than 80 people on their team for the 5K, raising more than $11,000 in donations.

Since Deming founded the grassroots initiative in 2009, more than $500,000 has been raised for breast cancer research.  

Deming posted the following message on her Facebook page, after the event:

"Well the 3rd Annual POUNDING the PAVEMENT is over...but is it really? Don't we all leave yesterday's events changed by the experience? Whether you walked, ran, volunteered or cheered your loved ones, aren't you a little different today?
I can't help thinking that as the day ended yesterday and into the next few days we will share with those that couldn't be there, our experiences on Saturday.
For me, the first word that comes to mind is OVERWHELMED....
...
Overwhelmed by the commitment so many businesses, Big and Small make to the 5k by sponsoring the event...your monies allow us to "kick it up a notch", to elevate to a Celebration not just a 3.1 mile run or walk!
Overwhelmed by all of the volunteers, who give so much of their time and energy weeks before the race and all of the days leading up to it! (a race of this magnitude doesn't happen with a handful of people)!
Overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and leadership the team captains gave to motivate and recruit friends and family to join their team!
Overwhelmed by the generosity of all those who help raise or made donations in honor of and in memory of the those victimized by the cancer diagnosis!
Overwhelmed by all of the businesses and individuals who donate all of the food, water, and beautiful gifts and corsages for our survivors!
Overwhelmed by each and everyone of you who register for this event!
Overwhelmed by this community and its desire to UNITE in the FIGHT against breast cancer. What an amazing community!! If you didn't feel THAT yesterday...you miss the HEART of what this COMMUNITY is ALL about.

Lastly OVERWHELMED by the STRENGTH, COURAGE, FAITH, HOPE and LOVE our loved ones, who have heard the breast cancer diagnosis, bring to us every day! THANK YOU for showing us HOW to FIGHT!
and as we looked out from the stage yesterday... Did we not SEE MORE PINK!
......Whenever you try to put into words an event such as yesterday's 5K, you miss thanking someone or some group...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE know I am forever indebted to all of you for what your gave to our 3rd annual 5k ...what you gave to this COMMUNITY!
God bless each and everyone of you....
Thank you from all of us at SEYMOUR PINK and SEYMOUR TRADITION!"