OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — It was a sea of pink on Saturday as more than a thousand people did their part to raise breast cancer awareness.
The More than Pink Walk raises money for research for the disease.
It also honors survivors, like Allison Banikowski.
"I was diagnosed in 2010," Banikowski explained.
She underwent countless chemo and radiation treatments and is now cancer free.
"I happen to be a survivor, and I am very thankful for that and I don't take it for granted," Banikowski said.
The survivor, along with her loved ones, raised more than $10,000 to find a cure.
But, it comes at a price.
"We are always remembering those who have lost their battle and those who are still battling, especially those with metastatic breast cancer," Banikowski said.
One of those fighting the terminal diagnosis is Molly Hammer.
"I was first diagnosed with cancer in 2008. It was stage three invasive ductal carcinoma," Hammer explained.
The local jazz singer was cancer free until 2016.
"It was metastatic at that time, which is the stage at stage four. It was in the lung and bone. Since that time, in the past year, it has spread to the liver and the brain," Hammer said.
She spoke in front of walkers to show that the event is more than an average walk.
"This is a tough journey for all of us. The way we get through it all of us, is through support. Whether it be friends, family or community. That's why we are here," Hammer said.
As for her journey, Hammer said she isn't going without a fight.
"Just because I have stage four cancer doesn't mean I am not out living each day. Living my life," she said. "It's not necessarily an immediate death sentence when it's stage four."
