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Lisa Johnson is moved when she thinks of the support she has received from her family and friends in her battle with cancer.
On Saturday, tens of thousands of strangers added their voices to his support system.
The 58-year-old Orlando woman was among the people who walked and ran 5 kilometers around the Lake Eola area in the honor of those affected and suffering from bad cancer.
The event raises funds for the American Cancer Society's efforts to research the disease and educate the public about screening.
Last year, the race raised more than $ 650,000 and saw 55,000 people cross the pink banner "FINISH".
For 58-year-old Johnson, it was the first race since bad cancer diagnosis in the aftermath of Christmas last year.
Since then, she regularly undergoes chemotherapy sessions.
The race "makes you realize that life is so simple when you have family behind you," said Johnson, moved to tears, to the question of his supporters during the race. "Without that, you probably could not get through."
The finish line of the race was however not a dark event.
Runners took selfies with friends and family members.
The crowd applauded the runners as they approached with t-shirts representing a team or a group of runners or including popular sayings such as "Save the Tatas" and "Real Men Rock Pink".
Cheers grew louder as a runner or walker wore a scarf with the inscription "Survivor".
"It matters a lot to me," said Noemi Hernandez, who was torn apart when she heard the crowd.
Hernandez thinks that her faith in God has helped her survive for seven years following the diagnosis of bad cancer.
This diagnosis occurred about 13 years after the diagnosis of thyroid cancer.
"It sent me to the hospital but I'm still here," Hernandez said. "I want to thank God. He gave me strength and I am here because of him. "
It was a feeling shared by many along the way Saturday.
Faye McLean said it was difficult to watch her friend follow a treatment for bad cancer.
However, what made it more tolerable is that McLean and her close friend keep their faith as she does.
"There is so much fighting," said McLean of Kissimmee. "Survivors believe in their trust and belief that there is superior power. This keeps her going.
When Shawn Barnett crossed the finish line, she said when she sees a lot of people that she does not know how to support her, by cheers and encouragement, it reminds her that She has had allies in her journey since she recovered from a lymphoma in 1998.
"It's amazing, encouraging and it gives hope," she said. "They let you know that you are not alone and that you are not the only one thinking about it or worrying about it."
Do you have any advice? [email protected] or 407-420-5256; Twitter, @marcosantana
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