Pink on Parade: Stepping Forward Together for Breast Cancer Awareness

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  • Michelle Bartlome
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For Flagler Beach resident Carla Cline, 48, her breast cancer journey began when she first noticed a lump during a self-breast exam.

“I realized I had not felt that before, so I was prepared when the radiologist told me that I did in fact have breast cancer,” said Cline.

Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, a more aggressive type of tumor, Cline underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy at AdventHealth Palm Coast. Cline finished chemo transfusions last summer, but continued with treatment, including oral chemotherapy until February 2024.

“I feel very lucky that the care close to home was good,” said Cline. “I was going to the hospital almost four days a week. Driving an hour and a half each time would have made this so much harder - I can’t imagine it.”

Pink on Parade

On Oct. 6, Cline will be the official starter of the Pink on Parade 5K and One Mile Pet-Friendly Walk in Palm Coast. Hosted in partnership with the City of Palm Coast, the Pink on Parade benefits the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation, with every dollar raised going directly to local cancer care services.

Cancer survivors in this year’s race will have the unique honor of ringing a symbolic bell at the event. This same bell will soon find its permanent home inside the Freytag Cancer Center at AdventHealth Palm Coast, set to open in early 2025. Once installed, the bell will serve as a powerful symbol of hope, as cancer survivors ring it to celebrate the completion of their treatment.

Freytag Cancer Center bell

As the event approaches, Cline is reminded of how far she’s come and the support she’s received along the way.

“I just wanted to say thank you to AdventHealth for the great cancer care services right in our community.”

The race is open to all – families, friends, and even pets – and it is a celebration of hope, resilience, and the power of community support, all while raising funds for local cancer patients and their families.

“The City of Palm Coast has been involved every year for many years now, and it’s a lot of fun,” said Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin. “Come out and show your spirit to support this wonderful cause.”

For more information and registration details, visit the race sign-up website.

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