LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It wouldn’t be a Kentucky Oaks Day without the annual Survivors Parade, a time when Churchill Downs honors breast and ovarian cancer survivors.
150 survivors lined up on the grass track, representing the 150 years of the Kentucky Derby, and this is the 16th consecutive year of honoring survivors.
The rain was persistent on Friday, but so was breast cancer survivor Jennifer Day and every person in the parade. A wave of pink prepared to walk through the water and enjoy their moments.
"It’s amazing, I'm so excited and emotions are high," Day said. "I know it’s going to be emotional when we get out there."
This milestone year represents a milestone in Day's life. Just two and a half years ago her battle with breast cancer was at it's end. She said pink isn't her favorite color, but now she respects what it symbolizes.
"It means a lot when I see someone wearing the breast cancer emblem," Day said. "They’re bringing awareness and seeing everyone out here wearing pink and supporting us. It’s amazing."
With just a sprinkle of rain, the parade was underway as spectators in the stands cheered on every single survivor and one person they chose to walk with.
By Jennifer’s side at the track, and through the entire journey, was her mom Debbie Alfred.
"After work I would go out there and I'd have my little headlamp on and put crackers by her bed," Alfred said. "I’d peel oranges, apples whatever she needed."
Alfred said breast cancer doesn’t run in their family, but she’s glad her daughter caught the early signs and lived through the aggressive journey.
"Get early diagnosis," Alfred said. "I can’t stress it enough. If you think it’s wrong, if it feels wrong go get checked."
The pair shared this special moment together, soaking it all in the middle of the 150th Kentucky Oaks.
Day said it's been a long time coming and that this special day represents her crossing the finish line.
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