Frigid temperatures were no match for those turning up to walk the good fight against breast cancer during the Kimberley Chance Atkins Foundation’s “Walk with Angels” on March 2. The third annual event raised $30,000, which will be used to cover mammography fees for local women unable to afford them.
The eight-mile route was alive with camaraderie, unique get-ups and a little inter-team competitiveness for the coveted awards.
Big or Small Save ‘Em All raised the most of any team - more than $5,800. Team WSA’s Jayne Thomas topped individual efforts with $1,195. Breast Friends, which hosted events such as Ribs for Racks and Bunco for Boobies to raise their entry fees, claimed the Breast-Dressed prize for their quirky brassieres. Crossroads Cancer-Fighting Crusaders, decked in fuchsia capes, earned the Best Overall Team distinction.
After the closing awards and before the signature pink balloons were released, KCAF Board member Jean Yontz recited a poem she had written in Kim’s honor:
Did she know when the diagnosis came
That her name would become the battle call?
Did she know that all her suffering and pain
Would ignite a fire of passion in us all?
Did she know as she walked the winding road
With courage as her shield
That the example of her faithfulness
Would bring us to our knees?
Did she know that the angels surrounding her
Would become the mantra of our case
And each step we take upon the path
Is done with wings of grace?