St. Louis Celebrates Survivorship and Participates in a Warrior Walk at Ballpark Village

Hundreds of clients and their caregivers and families gathered to celebrate survivorship and to go on a Warrior Walk at Ballpark Village!

Photo credit: St. Louis Cardinals, Ryan Weitzel, and Wade Buckner

Hundreds of survivors, caregivers and supporters joined us on June 4 for Pink Ribbon Girls St. Louis' second annual Survivor Celebration and Warrior Walk. This year's event was held downtown at Ballpark Village – a prime St. Louis venue located across the street from Busch Stadium.

The event kicked off at 9 a.m. Survivors and caregivers received PRG T-shirts (breast cancer survivors got pink shirts, gynecological cancer survivors got blue and caregivers got white) as well as gifts donated by Victoria's Secret, which included robes, blankets, slippers and candles. Attendees enjoyed a buffet breakfast, where they had the opportunity to connect with others who have endured similar challenges and come together to celebrate life. PRG President/CEO Heather Salazar shared her story of how PRG was founded, then invited survivors to join her in front of the crowd. Each shared their diagnosis and how long they have been a survivor. Some were still undergoing treatment, and some were decades removed from their diagnosis. Every story shared was met with enthusiastic applause and words of encouragement.

After the breakfast, almost 100 walkers arrived for the Warrior Walk. Attendees funneled through printed out signs listing the people of whom each was walking in honor or memory. Some featured the name of a mother, daughter, wife or friend. Some read, "My patients," or "All of the women fighting." Participants walked a collective 100 miles to honor the 100 families PRG St. Louis serves a week. Even Fredbird – the Cardinals' mascot – made an appearance and brought plenty of joy and laughs to kids and survivors alike. The day was a true embodiment of PRG's mission, which is that No One Travels This Road Alone.