Pink...it has come to symbolize hope, survival, courage and the fight against breast cancer. Pink took over North University Saturday for the Komen Peoria Race for the Cure.

More than 19-thousand people participated in this year's race. As usual, the atmosphere was charged for the loyal race fans and many newcomers that took up the cause for breast cancer research and awareness.

The Peoria Komen Memorial affiliate hopes with donations on its newly designed website this year's race will bring in one-million dollars.

Every year, the survivors take an emotional stroll through the Metro Center. It's one of the first events for the Peoria Race for the Cure.

People of all ages take the Survivor Walk. It's proof that that breast cancer can affect anyone at any age.

"I'm 70 years old. And I just can't imagine all these young kids having to go through this," 32-Year Survivor Geri Counterman says.

Two-time survivor Bekime Feezor said, "Twice but the first time it was 10 years ago. It was unexpected. I was very young. It was very hard to diagnose."

"I'm not doing this for me I'm doing this for those who didn't survive," 4-Year Survivor Roslyn Moore says.

Each survivor has a different story but a common bond.

"It's been a hard journey," Survivor Lori Nakamura says.

Nakamura lives in Hawaii and was diagnosed last year with breast cancer.

"We had formed a team in Hawaii. It was called our journey because this is everyone's journey and so we though to make it full circle we wanted to come out to Peoria's and to do the race here too," Nakamura says.

Nakamura says it is important to her to give back in Peoria, Susan G. Komen's hometown.

"It's like she's watching over us. She wants us to find a cure."

The survivor walk is an emotional experience for everyone. Not only for the survivors but for those watching... and the support is overwhelming.

"When you see all the people come together for one cause, it's like you're one big family," Karen Blundy says.

"This is for our children too. Because I have two little ones. Two girls and I'm just hoping we find a cure before they have to go through this," Nakamura says.

Every year the survivors have that hope and dream in that their effort inspires others to never give up in the fight against breast cancer.