PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Every year on Mother’s Day, thousands of breast cancer survivors along with their families and friends gather for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

It’s a celebration of life that also raises money for breast cancer treatment and research.

They gathered in Schenley Park this Mother’s Day morning to celebrate incredible stories of faith, hope and survival – breast cancer survivors joining hands and wearing pink t-shirts.

“God is good. Here I am again,” said Charlene Mishizen, a two-time cancer survivor. “After 17 years, I reoccur, and then he says I’m not done with you yet.”

The 20th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Pittsburgh helps raise millions to battle breast cancer. Over the years, there’s been great progress in research and diagnosis and treatment.

“The five-year survival rate on a Stage 1 Breast Cancer is 98 to 99 percent, and when Komen first started 30 years ago, it was only 74 percent,” Kathy Purcell, of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pittsburgh, said.

Lenore Schwartz was honored for being a 55-year survivor.

“I was a new bride and found out, and here I am, and I’ve had it three times,” said Schwartz. “Just have a good attitude, and attitude is very, very important.”

Phyllis Mitchell, a one-year survivor, wears an elastic sleeve and glove to keep the swelling down from a fluid backup.

“It’s a small price to pay to be able to get up every day, very small,” she says.

Cancer survivors credit the love and support they receive from family members and friends.

About 25,000 showed up to help make the 20th annual Race for the Cure another huge success.

Komen Pittsburgh says they’ve raised more than $23 million a year to fund local breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

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Susan G. Komen for the Cure Pittsburgh
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