Sista Strut transforms downtown Milwaukee into a sea of pink for breast cancer awareness

MILWAUKEE -- Dozens of people in pink strutted through downtown Milwaukee Saturday, Oct. 5 during the eighth annual Sista Strut supporting breast cancer awareness.

Sista Strut

"We make sure we come out and do it every year for her, now going forward," said Gail Rodgers, who walked for a friend.

Many participants walked in honor of loved ones touched by breast cancer.

"This is real deep to my heart to be out here to support her and this event for all women who are battling this crazy disease," said Paula Brookens, who walked with her sorority.

Sista Strut

Marsha Johnson

The 3K charity walk brings awareness to the importance of breast cancer screenings and encourages people to take advantage of resources that prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer.

"Inspiring, uplifting that I can be here and help support what they're going through," said Brookens.

Organizers talked about breast cancer's effects on the African-American community -- a disease that hit close to home for two women who walked for a friend who passed away two years ago.

Sista Strut

Paula Brookens

"Smiling down on us," said Rodgers. "We did this with her the year before she passed."

"Being with all the different people, and just to show our support to the ones that are battling it," said Marsha Johnson, who walked for her friend.

The strutters crossing the start line with hope each stride would be one step closer to a cure.

"Women coming together to support each other," said Brookens.

FOX6's own Mary Stoker Smith emceed the event and said it's something she loves to be a part of.

Sista Strut