Larry Vaught Photo
I am sure Cindy Ortiz Chacónas has bad days just like anyone else but she just has an amazing knack for making the best out of any situation.
She was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2009 after a lump on her breast in 2008 had originally been diagnosed as a cyst that she had removed. However, not long after she finished running the San Antonio Rock-n-Roll marathon (26.2 miles), she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28. She had surgery, chemotherapy and radiation that ended in September of 2009.
That eventually led to Chicanos organizing the Pink Up The Pace 5K in St. Augustine in part because of the bond she felt with other cancer survivors along with her own mother not questioning a lump she had in her breast because of a lack of health insurance. Saturday was the 16th year for this event that is the biggest 5K in the St. Augustine area and had over 2,200 finishers this year.
Chicanos, race co-director Amy Kaelin — also a cancer survivor — and others on their board work year-round to put together this unique run through historic downtown St. Augustine that has cheerleaders and live bands along the route to cheer you on.
And talk about pink — if you don’t wear something pink, you are in the minority.
Cancer survivors are honored before the race and pose for an emotional photo on the pink fire truck before the race starts. A light rain fell just before the start of the race but Chicanos told us that it was just “those who couldn’t be with us” letting us know they were around (with tears from heaven).
I like to do runs in different cities when I travel and fortunately did my first Pink Up The Pace 5K seven years ago on my first fall visit to St. Augustine. I fell in love with the race and luckily got to meet Chicanos.
That led to me volunteering to work packet pickup the day before the 5K where Chicanos enlists her students at the University of St. Augustin studying to be either physical or occupational therapists to help and it is one of my favorite days of the year. The students truly enjoy volunteering and it just makes me feel younger. I think spending all day Friday with Chicanos, race board members, the students and runners coming to pick up packets was the first time since my mom’s passing in August that I had gone all day without thinking constantly about her being gone.
The race expo at packet pickup is incredible with so many vendors set up and then on race day there are vendors and a funky workout music before the race gets going.
There are runners/walkers of all ages and skill levels. I enjoy talking to various runners and actually chatted with a woman doing her first 5K who had been a ballerina for 17 years. I ran with a 7-year-old boy, who likes running cross country, and his mom. I ran/walked with a college age girl doing her first 5K who has ambitious goals for getting into running.
Kentucky fan Donnie Walker of Palm Coast was also here. We ran in the same July 4th 5K when I visited her in the summer. He had on his Kentucky shirt and hat and finished second in our age division.
On the race website, Chicanos posted: “Today, it is difficult to meet someone who has not been touched by breast cancer. Our hope is to continue to be active in the community by encouraging people to be aware of their bodies and the signs and symptoms of breast issues. Be your own advocate of your health!
“We are here to help, we are more than just a race! This horrible diagnosis brought us together as amazing friends and as warriors for our beautiful community. We wouldn’t change a thing ! Out of our pain, came PINK UP THE PACE.”
She also shared it was okay to be “scared, sad and lost.”
“Life is not always what you have hoped or expected, but you are here. No matter what is thrown your way, you always have an option to keep pushing and trying because it can always be worse,” Chicanos says on the website. “Throughout my journey I felt numb to the whole experience. I sometimes felt it was a dream until I look back at pictures and notice all the physical changes that I had to endure. When I look at myself now, I am reminded that I am not who I once was nor do I know who I will be in the future. For now I am a woman, a runner, a wife, a mother and a breast cancer survivor trying to make a difference.”
Chicanos and her PUTP board members are making a huge difference helping those without medical insurance be able to seek treatment and also bring more awareness about what early detection of breast cancer can mean.
If you are ever in the St. Augustine area the first Saturday in October and like to run or walk, take time to participate in this event and you will see why it is so unique and so much fun.
