Thousands Don Pink For Annual Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Thousands took over the Upper West Side Sunday, raising money and awareness about breast cancer in the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure along Central Park West.

As CBS 2's Janelle Burrell reported, the energy at the race was contagious, as participants donned all shades of pink for the annual run. About 15,000 participants walked or ran the 5K, WCBS 880's Monica Miller reported.

The event was a celebration of survivors and memories of those lost to breast cancer. The goal of the race is to raise $6 million for local causes to help provide mammograms, other prevention measures and treatment for lower income women, Miller reported.

"Thanks to last year's race, we gave away $2.2 million in grants," Linda Tantawi with Susan G. Komen of Greater New York City told Miller.

Breast cancer survivor Larin Shine was among the participants.

"I'm overwhelmed," said Shine, of Spring Valley. "I'm really trying to keep it together."

Shine has been in remission for three year, and was walking with her friends.

"When you face death, basically, and you come out on the other side and you're all right, you just see things a little differently," she said.

For Roberta Grossman, the race marked another milestone. She has been cancer free for 22 years, and sported a hat with pins for each year.

The pins symbolized the continued love and support of her family, including grandson Benny Heifetz of Short Hills, N.J.

"It means a lot that I get to represent her," Benny said. "I'm so lucky that she's still here with us."

Members of the CBS 2 News team – a sponsor for the event – were also out cheering the crowd. 1010 WINS was also a sponsor of the race.

"The funds that are raised today stay right here in New York City, providing essential breast health care for low income and uninsured women -- women who without the money that we raise today would not get the care that they need," Tantawi said.

And seven months in remission, Sheila Washington was joining the effort in helping others.

"Because I'm a tough chick, I survived it; I beat it," said Washington, of Harlem.

Since it was founded in 1990, the Greater New York City affiliate of the Komen Foundation has raised more than $60 million.

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