Andrea Sweeting and 13 friends are flying from the Bahamas to Miami for a very special all-girls weekend. But this is no spa-and-shopping trip. The women -- all breast cancer survivors -- are traveling here to take part in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Saturday at Bayfront Park.

Before they do the 5K walk, the group -- all members of a Bahamian breast cancer support group called The Surgical Suite -- will be honored along with other survivors with applause, gifts, hugs and a special breakfast.

``I never anticipated it would be so touching to be a part of,'' said Sweeting, 60, a retiree and seven-year survivor. ``Even though we preach you are not alone, to see so many other women out there who are survivors is very special.''

Thousands have signed up and more are expected for the race/walk, which accepts registrations until 6 a.m. Saturday. One of 112 races nationwide to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a major breast cancer advocacy group, it raises money for research and South Florida screening and education programs.

In addition to the races, which include a one-mile ``fun walk,'' there will be a kids' zone with bounce house, a dance performance, music and refreshments. The top 50 men and women finishers get medals, and all who participate get a ribbon.

``It's not about winning or losing, it's about getting involved and raising money and awareness for breast cancer,'' says race administrator Michele Snyder.

Last year, more than $1.2 million was raised through race registration, corporate sponsorship and pledges obtained by participants. Three-quarters of the proceeds go back into the community for cancer screenings, genetic testing and outreach education, according to Bobbi Meyers, executive director of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Fort Lauderdale.

About a quarter of a million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the most common form of cancer in women after non-melanoma skin cancer and can affect men, too.

Meyers said women from as far as Key West and the Bahamas come for the Miami race, which last year included more than 750 survivors and some women who were undergoing treatment at the time.

``Most people have been touched by breast cancer at some level, caregiver of a survivor,'' Meyers said. ``People come out there to support their friends and family, that's the feeling you get. It's a really uplifting event.''

Join the discussion

The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share information, experiences and observations about what's in the news. Some of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. We encourage lively, open debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered user of MiamiHerald.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

     Showing: Oldest first Newest first Most-recommended first Least-recommended first

@Nyx.AuthorDisplayName@ wrote on @Nyx.PostedAtTime@:

@Nyx.repliedToText@

@Nyx.replyAnswerText@

Reply to this Comment @Nyx.Recommender@ @Nyx.AbuseReporter@