Poyntz Avenue in downtown Manhattan was closed to traffic Saturday morning. Northview Elementary students ten-year-old Alina Flores and seven-year-old Valentina Flores explained why the street was closed.
The 6th annual Pink up the Pace 5K run and one-mile honor walk was well-attended despite the bitter cold wind. The sisters were with a group of nearly sixty Ascension employees and family members who participated to honor and support their friend. Manhattan resident and breast cancer survivor Karla Quick explains.
Johnson Cancer Research Center Assistant Director Dr. Shanna Mittie is also a breast cancer survivor.
Mittie says all proceeds from the event go to the Johnson Cancer Research Center; and some will help students to allow them time to do more research instead of working extra jobs to make ends meet. Mittie added that she attended a banquet Friday evening where benefactors were able to meet the students they sponsored. And the students gave presentations on the work they’ve been doing to find cures for all types of cancer.
Downtown Manhattan Incorporated’s Executive Director Gina Snyder says they enjoyed a record turnout but didn’t have the final count yet.
The party atmosphere during the race extended to the patio of AJ’s where participants enjoyed complimentary pizza, beer, pink cookies, and coffee. Snyder is proud of the turnout of locals supporting local funding and research, and says Pink up the Pace is the only breast cancer race in the region.
