Pretty in Pink

It was a bustling Saturday morning at Fairmount Park in downtown Riverside for the 3rd annual Pink on Parade Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. The park was busy throughout the morning with participants, organizers, and vendors up early to show their support for those affected by breast cancer. Pink was the color of the day and was featured on everything from balloons and tutus, to scarfs, dog collars, and even hair. Families, children, coworkers, and friends of all ages joined together to walk around the park's two lakes. Walkers browsed the many vendor booths prior to the walk while local band Lucky Cricket played center stage. The event was sponsored by The Pink Ribbon Place, a program of the Riverside Community Health Foundation, aimed at supporting and provided resources for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Dixie Wutzke, a Resource Center Specialist with the Pink Ribbon Place, understood the importance of raising awareness through her experience working as a nurse for forty years. "This service is desperately needed. We are here to support men, women, and their families," explains Wutzke, "Ladies deal with tremendous shock when they learn they are newly diagnosed, so it's rewarding to provide them with comfort and to show them that they are not alone." Wutzke, who is a cervical cancer survivor, understands the tragedy individuals feel after being diagnosed with cancer, but she encourages them to seek support from the foundation, stating, "fear keeps many women away from using our services but we are here to help." Nicole Stovicek, manager of the Pink Place Thrift Store, brought in vintage pieces to promote the shop. For Stovicek, her position as manager is an incredibly rewarding experience. "Working with the Pink Ribbon Place has really opened my eyes to women affected by breast cancer," Stovicek explains, "I've met a lot of amazing people." Riverside social workers, Desiree Martin, Monica Arina and Monica Moore dressed up in tutus for the walk, registering under the name, "Cupcake Angels." These walkers came out in support of all the women they have met through their work affected by cancer, and for their co-worker who was newly diagnosed. Immediately before the walk began, Dan Anderson, the president of Riverside Community Health Center addressed the crowd, giving personal words of encouragement. "Each and every one of us has a role in this," stated Anderson. "We need to work together to educate and inform. We walk for the community. No one should ever walk alone."