NILES — Wearing bright pink shirts, nearly 900 people took to the track at Eastwood Field on Sunday afternoon to raise awareness of those who have battled or who are battling breast cancer.

Cancer survivors led the walk around the track, where all participants would receive a cupcake and water available at various tables around the track. The track also was decorated with pink balloons with the message “Pink Lights the Way.”

Funds raised from the event help women in treatment. Testimonies from those who have battled breast cancer were shown on the stadium screen before the start of the walk.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Event organizers Megan Schellhorn of Howland, a media teacher at Hubbard High School, and Shannon Styer, formerly of Cortland and now of Cleveland, said the cupcake walk is a fun way for the community to come together and support breast cancer survivors and those still battling the disease.

This is the second year for the event with four laps around the track equaling one mile.

“The support when you are fighting breast cancer is so important on your journey. I was so lucky to have an amazing community of support from family and friends in Howland where I live and in Hubbard where I teach,” Schellhorn said.

She said she wanted to make sure others battling cancer also have support.

Schellhorn said many Hubbard students helped volunteer at the event by handing out cupcakes and water, and members of the Howland boys soccer team also assisted.

More than 1,200 cupcakes from local bakeries were provided.

“It’s so meaningful to me to see all the people support this event. This is so much more than I ever dreamed it could be,” Schellhorn said.

She said she has met so many cancer survivors and others battling cancer who she considers “an uplifting group of friends.”

Styer said she was “completely overwhelmed by the support from the community.”

“It is so inspiring to have all these people here,” she said.

Styer said one of the keys to surviving breast cancer is early detection.

The American Cancer Society says one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer with more women under age 50 being diagnosed at a higher rate. Women age 40 and older are encouraged to get checked more often for breast cancer.

THOSE PARTICIPATING

Despite 80-degree temperatures, many took to the track for their walk.

Penni Buydos of Warren, who is a breast cancer survivor, said, “I like the camaraderie and knowing you are not by yourself. The entire event was wonderful.”

Lisa Hovance of Cortland, also a breast cancer survivor, said she enjoyed when all the survivors walked down the steps together to get on the track and were cheered and applauded by people on the field.

“It was very emotional for me, seeing all the people here supporting us. The support is appreciated,” she said.

Mary Loy Amorganos of Warren said she was there to support family and friends who have battled breast cancer.

“It is important we show we are there for them,” she said.

Denise Sparacino of Cortland, a two-time breast cancer survivor, said “I realized when I was here with so many others that I am not alone. It is important to know you are not alone.”

Patty Lovaglio of Cincinnati said she came to the event to support her two nieces who have battled breast cancer..

“It was inspiring to see all the people here. It shows that people care,” she said.