TAMPA, Fla. – A sea of ​​pink surrounded Raymond James Stadium on Saturday morning.

More than 20,000 people came out to celebrate breast cancer survivors and support those battling the disease. They participated in the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” event Tampa.

They have raised more than $542,000 for local initiatives such as the Hope Lodge near Moffitt Cancer Center, which provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. Money was also raised for Drive to Recovery, a program that helps patients get treatment if they can’t on their own.

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“I’ve had chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and just finished radiation,” said breast cancer survivor Delaney Driver. “So I actually finished my active treatment earlier this month.”

“So it felt really fitting to come here and celebrate achieving this milestone,” Driver said.

The driver was diagnosed with breast cancer in December, aged just 29.

“I was just doing a self-examination. I had been lifting some weights and it was really sore and I was touching my chest and I found a lump that didn’t necessarily feel like a muscle,” Driver said.

“I think I’ve always been a little bit prepared to be diagnosed with breast cancer since my mom and grandma had it,” Driver said. “So it was definitely a harrowing moment for me to hear, but I think it was even more harrowing for all my friends and family.”

People participate in the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

The driver said: “I was so young they just didn’t think this was still a possibility.”

The driver completed her active treatment a week before her 30th birthday. She said she has learned a lot in the past 10 months.

“I would say check yourself. Know that you’re normal. Those two things are very important. Advocate for yourself,” Drover said. “Then, even though it’s a very difficult thing, if you’re ever diagnosed, there’s a silver lining to everything.”

“There’s positivity that you can find throughout him,” Driver continued. “And I think having a really good spirit and attitude and a good care team can really help you get through one of the most traumatic times of your life.”

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Ruth Black went through 35 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation.

“When you hear the word cancer, you know, you think, ‘oh, I’m going to die,’ but, you know, thank God I’m still here, still struggling, surviving,” Black said. “I’ve been a survivor for 11 years. Proud for 11 years,” she said.

Black said seeing everyone rally around something so personal to her is inspiring.

“I love seeing everyone come together and love each other. That’s what we need in this world today, love,” Black said.

People participating in the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

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