COPPERAS COVE — The last thing Lauren Hilliard thought she would be doing on the last day of September was participating in a 5K walk/run.
The Belton resident was diagnosed with breast cancer in February, and she is halfway through her chemotherapy sessions.
But with the help of a group of friends — Lauren’s Army — she was one of more than 200 athletes who participated in the third annual Pink Warrior Dash 5K Walk/Run at City Park in Copperas Cove.
The event was organized by Pink Warrior Angels of Copperas Cove.
Pink Warrior Angels is a nonprofit organization founded by two breast cancer survivors — Jen Reynolds and Julie Moser — diagnosed under the age of 40, who met by chance and felt extremely alone through their journey.
Both survivors believed there had to be a better way to find support and encouragement for newly diagnosed breast cancer survivors.
Pink Warrior Angels was founded on the idea that no survivor should ever have to feel alone.
Volunteers provide different levels of support during the cancer treatment process including chemo comfort bags, mastectomy comfort kits, words of encouragement, financial assistance, and the knowledge gained through their own personal journey.
“We expect to raise more than $5,000 today,” Moser said Saturday.
“With October coming up, we have a number of activities planned for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”
Hilliard has already completed eight rounds of chemotherapy and one major surgery.
“I have nine rounds of chemotherapy and two surgeries left,” Hilliard said. “My friends have been so supportive of me since I was diagnosed.”
All of the money collected Saturday goes back into the local community for support, according to Moser.
Jeremy Alber won the running event in 14 minutes, 30 seconds.
“The course was just over two miles,” Alber said of the City Park course.
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