CBS 11 News was at the 15th Annual Alaska Run for Women on Saturday. As part of CBS 11's continuing series to raise awareness, Cancer Connection, we'll tell you how this issue affects not just the women who are diagnosed, but those around them.

Nearly 5,000 Alaskans walked and ran on Saturday, in support of breast cancer survivors and in memory of those who lost the battle, in a search for a cure.

For years, a group of friends have been volunteering for Alaska Run for Women in support of breast cancer survivors. Three months ago, one of them was diagnosed.

"Very surprised. It wasn't supposed to happen to me," said breast cancer survivor, Jane Hall.

Her friends, members of a book club they started 20 years ago, rallied around her. Thy named their team The Janeites.

The Janeites were among the 4,600 men and women, young and old, who braved the chill on Saturday and laced up to walk, jog and sprint to raise awareness--and money for breast cancer research. Others cheered from the sidelines.

During the event, breast cancer survivors wore bright pink hats to signify their status. Many wore cards bearing the name of a woman who survived, or lost, the battle with breast cancer.

"It's the most likely cancer women are going to get in their lifetime. One out of eight women in Alaska and rest of the United States and North America will get breast cancer," said founding board member of Alaska Run for Women, Dr. Roland Gower.

But, he says, it does not need to be a fatal disease.

"It can be cured if it's diagnosed early. Community education and awareness is important. And that's what this race has been about for 15 years," said Gower.

And that's why The Janeites have been involved with the race. They say it's an opportunity to bond and be inspired by others.

"I'm walking in support of all breast cancer survivors and all women in the future who might have to deal with this," said Hall.

For Hall and fellow breast cancer survivors, the battle can be overwhelming. So what keeps them going?

"The idea that I'm going to survive and that this will all be behind me pretty soon," said Hall.

...that and, the support of some very good friends.

In the 15 years since Alaska Run for Women was started, more than two million dollars has been raised for breast cancer research. The number of people running, or walking, the race has grown from 700 to well over 4,000.

For more information on Alaska Run for Women:
www.akrfw.org

To contact Grace, call 907-273-3186.