Gator Gymnasts Part of 12th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event
Saturday, October 24, 2015 | Gymnastics
Gators in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer photo gallery
GAINESVILLE, Florida - Downtown Gainesville filled with pink-clad people on a perfect Saturday morning for the 12th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk event. The Gator gymnastics team, along with head coach Jenny Rowland were there to cheer the hundreds of runners and walkers at today's event.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® (Making Strides) is an annual noncompetitive walk to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. Funds raised support American Cancer Society breast cancer research, education, advocacy and patient service programs. Saturday's 5K walk included people of ages.
The Gators mingled with the pre-walk crowd to let them know about the team's 2016 breast cancer awareness meet. The 2016 Gators Link to Pink is set for Feb. 12 in the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. The Gator gymnasts offered high-fives as the participants finished the race. This year's event included some current and past Gators participating in the walk.
For Rachel Spicer, who finished her Gator career last April, this year's event was particularly meaningful. Her mother, Mickie, was diagnosed with breast cancer early this year. Spicer is happy to report that her mother “rang the bell” on Sept. 18, which signals the completion of cancer treatments.
Spicer and past Gator teammates Mackenzie Caquatto and Alaina Johnson formed a team for this year's Making Strides event, raising more than $500 in a week.
“An event like this is awesome. When we arrived today, Alaina (Johnson) made a comment about how incredible it is that everyone gets together to bring awareness for breast cancer,” Spicer said. “It is amazing to participate in this walk alongside the survivors and the community.”
Sophomore Grace McLaughlin was among the Gators participating in the 2015 walk.
“It was fantastic. I loved going out and walking with everyone. It is a special event,” McLaughlin said. “We feel fortunate to be able to come out and join the community as they show support for the fight against breast cancer.
“Breast cancer impacts many people's lives,” Rowland said. “It is wonderful that the team comes together to show support for all who have been affected by breast cancer. Today was a wonderful event that we were privileged to be a part of.”
