3,000 Walk To Break Silence On Ovarian Cancer

McCANDLESS (KDKA) -- Thousands gathered in North Park on Sunday to raise awareness for ovarian cancer, cheer survivors of the disease and remember the victims.

Organizers say 3,000 turned out for the annual Ovarian Cancer Coalition Walk. The event has gotten bigger every year.

"It's a bit of a family reunion," said Mary Urban, of the Ovarian Cancer Coalition. "A lot of families will come to gather around the survivor in their life or will gather in memory of a woman who passed from ovarian cancer."

A big reason for the success of this walk is the legacy of KDKA's Yvonne Zanos who worked hard to raise awareness. She last walked in the event in Sept. of 2009.

Unfortunately, it was her final walk before losing the battle to ovarian cancer.

This year, Yvonne's daughters and granddaughters carried on the tradition.

"It's so great to see all of our friends and family come out to support my mom's memory and to raise awareness for ovarian cancer," said Niki Conaway, Yvonne's daughter.

"It's grown a lot. It's nice to see it, and it's nice to get together once a year and remember," added Adona Kane, Yvonne's daughter.

The KD family is still very much involved in the walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer.

KDKA's Dr. Maria Simbra and Lynne Hayes-Freeland served as emcees as they celebrated the survivors, remembered those we've lost and raised awareness about a disease that strikes tens of thousands of women every year.

The walk raised more than $180,000.

RELATED LINKS:
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
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