Pink Army 5K unites community for lifesaving breast cancer care

A sea of pink filled Palm Coast this weekend as more than 1,500 people — including over 950 registered runners and walkers — joined together for the annual Pink Army 5K and one-mile pet-friendly walk. The event drew its largest crowd yet, reflecting the growing power of community partnerships to save lives through early detection.

Hosted by the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation in partnership with the City of Palm Coast, the 5K is one of more than 20 local fundraising events that benefit breast cancer care services across Flagler County. Last year’s efforts raised $82,000 — and early forecasts suggest this year’s total may exceed that record.

Proceeds stay in Flagler County to assist qualified individuals with early detection screenings, cancer-related education, materials, and cancer diagnostic testing.

“When you see hundreds of people moving together in pink, it’s not just a race,” said John Subers, executive director of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation. “It’s a visible show of solidarity and proof that our community won’t face cancer alone.”

Among those leading the charge this year was Regan Hansen, 50, of Palm Coast — a recent breast cancer survivor who served as the race starter. After completing treatment at the Freytag Cancer Center at AdventHealth Palm Coast, Hansen said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.

The first time she rang the survivor bell, she was wearing a hospital gown. This time, she rang it surrounded by hundreds of cheering neighbors.

“It was kind of like taking a breath of fresh air,” Hansen said. “You realize you’re not just done with treatment — you’re part of a community that helped you get here. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

Hansen discovered her cancer at stage one through routine screening — a reminder, she said, of how critical early detection can be.

“Listen to your body and don’t put off your screenings,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be a death sentence. The sooner you come in, the sooner you can begin your healing.”

The Pink Army 5K is one of the most visible ways AdventHealth’s not-for-profit mission comes to life in Flagler County. Each year, philanthropic gifts and community partnerships expand access to care, ensuring that cost, transportation or insurance status aren’t barriers to lifesaving services.

For Hansen and thousands of others, that commitment has meant more than a diagnosis or a treatment plan. It has meant hope, connection and a path back to wholeness.