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Annual Survivor Run honors breast cancer survivors
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Survivor Run organizer Megan Hruska (center) celebrated the day with her friends and volunteers Courtney Spears (left) and Dani Deem at Buckeye Horse Farm Oct. 17.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Girl Scout Troop 495 members Autumn Sebastian, Jessica Megown and Jenna Guthrie helped event organizer Megan Hruska during the second annual Survivor Run at Buckeye Horse Farm on Oct. 17.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Riders and horses participating in the second annual Survivor Run, decked out in pink, prepared to hit the trail at Buckeye Horse Farm Oct. 17.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Sallie Sullivan (right) a breast cancer survivor, and her daughter, Megan Hruska, were all smiles during the second annual Survivor Run Hruska organized to honor her mother and other breast cancer survivors and to help spread awareness of early breast cancer detection on Oct. 17.
By ABBY SLANKER
The second annual Survivor Run, organized by Megan Hruska of Canfield took place at Buckeye Horse Park Oct. 17. Hruska, a life-long horse enthusiast, started the Survivor Run last year in honor of breast cancer survivors, including her mother Sallie Sullivan.
“Because of early detection, my mother’s odds of survival are very high. There is always a possibility the breast cancer could return, so I consider my mom a breast cancer survivor,” Hruska said.
This year’s Survivor Run consisted of a six-mile trail ride and a 12-mile trail ride to help spread awareness of early breast cancer detection and to get others involved in Sullivan’s passion for riding.
Thirty-one riders, decked out in the color of the day - pink, participated in this year’s Survivor Run. Not only were the riders and volunteers dressed in pink, but the horses were, too, with pink manes, tails, ribbons and blankets.
Hruska painted a pumpkin pink in honor of Deb Shaffer who participated in the ride last year and was diagnosed with breast cancer in the last year. Riders offered support and wrote encouraging messages to Shaffer on the pumpkin.
“We cancer survivors are a strong bunch. We have a friend helping here today with our Survivor Run, Colleen Greene, who recently had a double mastectomy and last week placed second in the AERC National Championship 50-Mile Ride,” Sullivan said.
Riders received breakfast, dinner, prizes and completion awards. The Joanie Abdu fund donated goodie bags for all the riders.
Girl Scout Troop 495 members Autumn Sebastian, Jessica Megown and Jenna Guthrie volunteered during the event.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center to support Joanie’s Promise Fund. Last year’s Survivor Run raised over $400 for Joanie’s Promise Fund.