TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — On Sunday, breast cancer survivors, family and friends, and community groups came out to University of Arizona's Tech Park for "Pink Out the Park."
The Making Strides Against Cancer event focuses on awareness, advocacy and remembrance.
“The event is so important to show people that there is survivorship after cancer, and there’s healthy survivorship after cancer," said Dr. Elizabeth Almli with Tucson Cancer Conquerors, a non-profit, volunteer support group.
Almli had a mammogram done 17 years ago, but it never picked up on the lump in her breast. She found it during a self-examination.
It turned out to be very aggressive. So, she underwent a year of chemotherapy and a mastectomy, followed with breast reconstructive surgery.
“I’m a physician and I’ve been involved in the care of cancer patients for over 30 years," she revealed. "Never did I think I’d be the one sitting in the chemotherapy infusion chair."
Now Almli’s helping other women on their own journeys with cancer. She says awareness is key, and so is leaning on support groups like theirs.
"Just because you’re diagnosed, doesn’t mean it’s a death sentence," Almli said. "I mean, look at us. We’ve never been more alive. So, there’s always hope.”
Julie Ragland is also a breast cancer survivor and chose not to have breast reconstruction after her surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her aim is to advocate for women who might be pressured to opt for implants after having a mastectomy.
“There’s a big community of women that are now choosing aesthetic flat closure and telling the world that we don’t need breasts to be fully formed women and survivors,” Ragland said while holding a sign which read "Flat, Finer, Survivor."
But really, she said, the walk is about honoring everyone's story.
“I found a couple of other flatties here, so when we see flatties in the wild, we always have a big flat-chested hug for each other," Ragland teased.
Mikenzie Hammel joined the KGUN 9 team as a multimedia journalist in the summer of 2023. She graduated from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. With her passion for human connection and visual storytelling, Mikenzie is honored to share the stories of Tucson and southeastern Arizona. Share your story ideas and important issues with Mikenzie by emailing mikenzie.hammel@kgun9.com.
