19TH ANNUAL GIRLFRIENDS RUN/WALK RAISES AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER SUPPORT IN THE NORTHWEST

For immediate release:

"Vancouver, WA – October 12, 2025 – Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of serious illness and death among women—especially among women of color and those in rural communities. To raise awareness and funds for breast health education, and funds for early detection, financial assistance, and emotional/psychological support programs, Pink Lemonade Project has been named the beneficiary of the 19th Annual Girlfriends Run/Walk by WHY Racing Events at the scenic Vancouver Waterfront.

More than 2,000 participants will gather to celebrate, honor, and pay tribute to those affected by breast cancer. Funds raised will directly support Pink Lemonade Project programs serving patients and families across Southwest Washington and Oregon.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, breast cancer screening rates have dropped by more than 10%. Meanwhile, more young women are being diagnosed with aggressive forms of the disease. Communities of color and rural populations are being disproportionately affected.

Today, 1 in 7 women in the Northwest will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and 1% of men will also face the disease. Nationally, an estimated 42,000–48,000 women will die from breast cancer this year alone.

“The need for breast health education and programs has never been greater,” said Susan Stearns, Chief Executive Officer of Pink Lemonade Project. “We are evolving and growing to fill critical gaps by working alongside healthcare systems, community organizations, public health organizations, faith communities, and so many more to improve access to care, survivorship, and quality of life for those impacted. Today, people need more support than ever through diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and beyond.” Since 2020, demand for Pink Lemonade Project’s services has risen by 292%.

“Our partnership with Pink Lemonade Project has personal meaning for me,” said Karissa Schoene, owner of WHY Racing Events. “The Girlfriends event was created to honor and support my mother, Joleen Skarberg, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 19 years ago. She continues to run every year with her daughters, sisters, nieces, cousins, and girlfriends.”

The Girlfriends event offers a Half Marathon, 10K, and 6K run/walk. Participants are encouraged to sign up and donate at whyracingevents.com/girlfriends-run/.

About Pink Lemonade Project

Pink Lemonade Project, founded in 2010 by Drs. Allen & Cassie Gabriel, educates, empowers, and supports all communities affected by breast cancer. The purpose is to provide the region, newly diagnosed patients, survivors, those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer, and their families with programs and services to enable them to navigate their breast cancer journey. Pink Lemonade Project supported 4,226 people last year with a budget of $1.2 million in revenue. Learn more at pinklemonadeproject.org."