Every October the streets of downtown Opelika, Ala. are filled with hundreds of Lee County residents dressed in pink.
Families can be seen holding hands while walking a mile on Railroad Avenue for one special cause.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, the 5th annual Think Pink walk will take place to raise awareness about breast cancer.Participants of the walk will include breast cancer survivors and their families and friends. Also in attendance
will be the YaHooters, women dressed in all pink attire including pink boas who cheer for breast cancer awareness,
and Lee County Junior Miss Addie Garner, who will perform.

The event was developed by Velinda Wheeles, the director of Main Street of downtown Opelika. The event provides
information about breast cancer from East Alabama Medical Center and The American Cancer Society and raises funds for mammograms not covered by an insurance company for those in need.

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“I cannot tell you the feeling of all the people walking around together in pink boas and pink shirts with pink
ribbons and pink shakers. It is overwhelming,” Wheeles said.

“Before the walk begins, there will be a walker’s reception with food and beverages. The informational walk will
begin 9:30 a.m. with early registration at 8:30 a.m. Music will be provided by KATE 99.9 FM, while participants walk
viewing signs with facts about breast cancer prevention and treatment. Last year, Think Pink had 600 attendees, and
everyone raised $5,000 for mammograms for deserving women,” Wheeles said.

“Knight Rides Yahama in Opelika will be giving golf cart rides for breast cancer patients who have recently had
chemotherapy. These patients can be frail and sick, and we want to make sure nobody misses out on the chance to
participate. It is the little things that help people that should not be taken for granted,” Wheeles said.

There will be gifts and door prizes for the survivors, and the event will feature other local businesses and vendors
who will be selling specialty products for breast cancer patients and survivors, including mastectomy bras.

Wheeles, a breast cancer survivor herself, said she recently had a close friend call and tell her she needed
multiple mammograms due to doctor’s orders, but her insurance company would not cover it.
“She later called me and told me that everything was taken care of for her because of Think Pink,” Wheeles said.