AUSTIN, Texas — Thousands of people came together on Sunday morning in Austin to fight breast cancer.
Nonprofit Susan G. Komen hosted the “More Than Pink Walk” at Austin’s Barton Creek Square Mall.
The walk raised money to support care services for breast cancer patients, research and health equity initiatives.
Participants included breast cancer patients, survivors and loved ones of those who lost their battle.
That includes the family of Tiffany Wright.
“Tiffany did a lot of great things,” said LaMonica Carpenter, Wright’s cousin. “It’s been two years. This is my second walk. I came all the way from Virginia to support my cousin and others who are suffering from breast cancer.”
Wright passed away on Christmas Eve in 2022, just four days shy of her 43rd birthday.
“We’re here to support for awareness and to educate other young women on what breast cancer is,” said Carpenter, holding a photo of her cousin.
Wright was a Huston-Tillotson University graduate who left behind a now-24-year-old son.
“People loved her,” said Trina Hampton, Wright’s sister. “She impacted people in a great way. We just want to keep her memory alive.”
Hampton carried a large pink ribbon sign with the dates of her sister’s birth and passing.
“When Tiffany was first diagnosed with breast cancer, it was very hard for her to grasp the fact that she had it, and the first time that we did the Susan G. Komen walk was the first time that she was able to embrace her illness, along with other women,” said Hampton. “That is what keeps us coming here. This is our second year coming to the walk in memory of Tiffany.”
Wright’s mother, Carolyn, also took part in Sunday’s walk.
The walk raised over $450,000 for breast cancer research and patient care services.
Anyone interested in supporting Susan G. Komen’s work can donate through the organization’s website.