Schenley Park was a sea of pink at over 27,000 participated in Pittsburgh's Race for the Cure to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Among those participating in the walk, that benefits breast cancer research, were members of the Steelers organization and mascot Steely McBeam, who helped with the kid's race.
"The Steelers and the NFL have a strong commitment to breast cancer awareness," said Michele Rosenthal, the Steelers community relations manager. "We are proud to be part of the Race for the Cure as well as many other breast cancer initiatives in the Pittsburgh area. Our players and staff have been personally impacted, which brings the cause much closer to home."
This was the 20th year for the Race for the Cure in Pittsburgh, which is held annually on Mother's Day.
"We are excited it's become such a tradition here in the Pittsburgh," said Kathy Purcell, executive director of the Pittsburgh affiliate for the race. "The community has gotten behind us and supported us and we are really pleased.
"Every year the number of survivors who participate grows and that is exciting. We have a little over 3,000 survivors this year. Even though women are still being diagnosed with this disease and we haven't found a cure yet, which is our ultimate hope, we know women are living healthier and longer lives even after being diagnosed. For survivors this day has become special and they appreciate the event itself."
The relationship between the Steelers and the Race for the Cure isn't limited to race day. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of breast cancer merchandise in October benefits them, as well as other endeavors the two organizations undertake.
"We are just thrilled with our relationship with the Steelers," said Purcell. "They support us with the race and in October seeing all of that pink is very exciting for us. We are very thankful.
"The breast cancer movement has been criticized for the pinking of everything. To me I always think that seeing something pink is not just a way of raising money, it's a way of raising awareness. Awareness is something that you can't always measure. If one the days in October when guys are wearing pink, if it causes a guy to say to his wife, did you get your mammogram, or causes conversation, then creating that awareness is a wonderful thing."
