Friday in Pink kicks off Race for the Cure fundraising season

            It's a disease that affects almost everyone in some way, a friend, a mother, a sister, diagnosed with breast cancer.  It's that personal connection that draws huge support to find a cure.

"I was diagnosed in April of 2011 and the next year - year and a half - it's been crazy, but it's all done," said Karen Oathout, recent breast cancer survivor.

            Oathout beat breast cancer this past May.

"There's almost a bond you create with women who've gone through the same thing because if you haven't gone through it, you don't really know," said Oathart.

            Now, she helps other women by volunteering with the Susan G. Komen's Race for the Cure of Northwest Louisiana.  She, and other breast cancer survivors and supporters, spent the day on a busy Shreveport intersection taking donations for this year's Friday in Pink.

"To provide money in this area in Northwest Louisiana hat will provide education materials and assist with mammograms for women in our area who don't have resources to get mammograms," said Suzanne Sims, board president and breast cancer survivor.

            Friday in Pink isn't just a fundraiser; it's also a kick-off, launch party for the Race for the Cure in just a few weeks.

"So excited to see people come out... We want to do something more - we want to find a cure," said Kelley Matkins, Mission Coordinator.

            The local race is set for September 15th.  Oathout was in a very different place last year.

"This time last year I was completely bald... But I went out there and walked and was so proud to be there.... A comforting feeling because there's so many people there - to know all those people are there to support, not just me, but everybody in that situation," said Oathout.

            She'll be racing this time so other women won't have to go through what she did.