News Summary
The Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk in Newport Beach attracted around 10,000 participants and raised nearly $750,000 for breast cancer research and support initiatives. Although it fell short of its fundraising goal, the contributions will significantly aid those affected by breast cancer. The event, which kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighted important clinical advancements and personal survivor stories, emphasizing the community’s commitment to combating this critical health issue.
Newport Beach, California – Approximately 10,000 participants took part in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk held at Pacific Life in Fashion Island on Sunday, September 28. This annual event, which kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raised nearly $750,000 towards its fundraising goal of $790,000 for breast cancer research and support initiatives.
Despite falling short of its target, the funds collected are expected to significantly impact the lives of many affected by breast cancer. Donations for the cause will continue to be accepted until October 24 at www.komen.org/orangecountywalk.
Breast cancer remains a critical health concern in California, with predictions that approximately 32,860 individuals will be diagnosed with the disease in 2025, an increase that highlights the urgent need for continued support and research. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 4,620 deaths due to breast cancer in the state in the same year.
The Susan G. Komen organization plays a crucial role in assisting California residents through its Patient Care Center. In fiscal year 2025, it provided direct support to 2,108 patients, distributing $478,400 in financial aid to those undergoing treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer.
This year’s walk featured a vibrant atmosphere captured by Chris Trela, a photographer for NB Indy, showcasing the community spirit and dedication to breast cancer awareness. Recent advancements in research were highlighted during the event, including the FDA’s grant for priority review and breakthrough therapy designation for a new treatment combining Enhertu and Perjeta for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer, demonstrating median progression-free survival rates of over 40 months.
Clinical updates from the DESTINY-Breast09 trial further affirm significant progress in first-line treatment options for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients. Prominent research initiatives also continue to explore ways to enhance prevention, such as work by Penn Medicine aimed at eliminating dormant “sleeper” cancer cells to prevent breast cancer from relapsing, achieving promising results with an 80% effectiveness rate.
The personal stories shared during the walk highlighted the psychosocial impact of breast cancer. Survivors like Amanda Davis, aged 29, recounted her experience with diagnosis and a double mastectomy, emphasizing the importance of personalized care in navigating their treatment pathways. Meanwhile, advocate Jennie Smythe, diagnosed at 41 while raising two children, underscored the vital role of community support throughout her journey.
Statistical insights reveal that 1 in 8 women and 1 in 1,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. These figures resonate strongly within communities, prompting ongoing efforts to raise awareness. In conjunction with the More Than Pink Walk, various community events are scheduled throughout October to promote breast cancer initiatives, including free breast checkups and fundraising luncheons. Notably, the Miami-Dade County MORE THAN PINK Walk is set for October 4 and has a funding goal of $700,000, having already raised over $400,000 with an expected attendance of around 9,000 walkers.
Engagement initiatives such as a Zumba class and a “Pink Game” hosted by the Miami Hurricanes are also planned for this month to further promote breast cancer awareness. These collective efforts underscore the community’s commitment to combating breast cancer and supporting those impacted by the disease.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UC Irvine and Orange County Museum of Art Complete Merger
Local Breast Cancer Survivor Inspires Community at Walk
Komen Organization to Host Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk
Mother and Daughter Triumph Over Breast Cancer Together
Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Indy
- CBS News Miami
- Tennessee Tribune
- Cure Today
- Click2Houston
- Wikipedia: Breast Cancer
- Google Search: Breast Cancer Awareness
- Google Scholar: Breast Cancer Research
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Breast Cancer
- Google News: Breast Cancer News
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
