Story by: Kathy Campbell on March 21, 2017
On Friday, May 5, up to 14 fast fillies will race over the historic Churchill Downs racetrack, all vying to win the 143rd Longines Kentucky Oaks, one of the most prestigious thoroughbred horse races in the world.
Before the call to post, 143 brave women, all breast and ovarian cancer survivors selected by public votes, will grace the same track, walking in the annual “Oaks Survivors Parade.” They will be joined by Kentucky’s First Lady Glenna Bevin, and the following five women walking to represent Norton Cancer Institute and Derby Divas, a volunteer group that has raised more than $1 million during the last decade for breast health programs, prevention and screening services and research.
Meet the 2017 parade participants.
More than 400 survivors were nominated, generating over $22,500 in donations for the Norton Cancer Institute Breast Health Program. To help the program provide care for women in our community who lack access to necessary breast health screenings and services, you can still donate online through Oaks Day, May 5.
2017 marks the ninth consecutive year for the salute to survivors of breast and ovarian cancer, and the first year for the Norton Cancer Institute Breast Health Program to be Churchill Downs’ charitable partner for the event.
Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below.