Strung across her living room wall were seven Pink 5k team t-shirts. One for each year Karen Coffinbargar has participated in this event. These t-shirts, however, represent much more than just years for Karen. To her, this event means survival.
“My mom had cancer and is a survivor. I received a mammogram early, and we found a lump. I sign up each year for the Pink 5k because it’s needed. We need to find a cure. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through this,” Karen shared.
The Oak Brook Park District’s Pink 5k benefits Hinsdale Hospital Foundation’s Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund which provides free mammograms to women in need, due to lack or insufficiency of insurance.
Team Karen started in 2013 when Tami Allen, Karen’s friend, told her about the event. “I wanted to create a sense of community and support for Karen during this time,” Tami explained.
Kristen Kelly, a member of their team, also wanted to support Karen throughout her journey. “My favorite memory at this event was watching Karen pass the finish line. The first year she participated, she took pictures from the sidelines as she was unable to participate due to her cancer,” explained Kristen.
Both Kristen and Karen teach at Fullerton School in Addison. Each October, the school hosts “Pink Fridays” where everyone wears pink on Fridays to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“It means so much to Karen to see people wearing the Pink 5k shirts around town,” shared Tami.
Each year, Team Karen continues to grow in numbers. “Friends, family members, and people from school come together just for the race each year. We have people come all the way from Texas and Kentucky – specifically for the Pink 5k!” exclaimed Karen.
To Team Karen, this event means family. It gives everyone an opportunity to support one another whether it be Karen or another team member that has been impacted by cancer.
This may be the 10th anniversary of the Pink 5k, but it is so much more than just a number. Thousands of lives have been positively impacted by this event and over $80,000 has been raised since its inception to support the Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund.
Karen, Tami, and Kristen are not the only amazing people that have been impacted by this event. Each week, we will be sharing more lives that have benefited from this community. We hope you, your friends, and family members can join us this year as we continue to make a difference. We are stronger together.