It’s become a tradition in households across Flagler County. Every October more than 1,000 moms, dads, kids and even pets lace up to become members of the ‘Pink Army’.
Since its inception in 2010, the Pink Army 5K and 1-mile pet-friendly walk has evolved into what is now known as the Pink on Parade. Over the years, thousands of people have celebrated their participation with commemorative photographs, including Kayleigh Fallon and her 10-year-old daughter Madelynn.
Kayleigh began running competitively as a youth and now shares her love of running with Madelynn. The pair have made the Pink on Parade 5K an annual family event since Madi was a year old. They look forward to reconnecting with past participants, school friends and running club coaches like Christopher Knox, during the race.
As a Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate and AdventHealth ICU nurse, supporting her hometown is as important to Kayleigh, as is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. When the opportunity came to support the less fortunate in community in their battle against breast cancer while following her passion, she and her family were all in.
“I do love the Pink Army because we raise funds that stay within our community. It’s just a really fun event. Plus, I’m a little competitive and like to place in my age division,” said Kayleigh, proudly taking first place in her age division in 2023.
Along the way her family has made friends with other families like the Gerlings who also share a passion for fitness.
“We ran our first Pink Army 5K as a family in 2013. Running 5Ks as a family together was something we started doing that year throughout the community to stay in shape as well as support community efforts,” shared mom of two, Shayla Gerling.
“Meeting up with other families to support the effort can be lots of fun. It offers a chance to strengthen bonds, share experiences and create memories,” added Mark Gerling.
The two families’ daughters, Madi and Adi, enjoy the chance to catch up at the Pink on Parade.
“We’re all attending this event for a reason. It’s more than just running. You’re with your friends, your family and your community,” said Kayleigh.
Supporting the Community
The Pink on Parade isn’t just about raising money to help those in need. A big part of the Pink on Parade is about bringing together families, friends, and neighbors, to celebrate survivors, to remember those lost to cancer, and to raise awareness about the importance of early detection through routine screenings, as well as the services available in our community for those diagnosed with breast cancer.
Mindful of the many families in the community, the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation has partnered with Flagler Parent Magazine and Flagler Schools to provide discounted entry for youth in the community. As a result of this opportunity, more than 100 local kids of all ages take part in the Pink 5K each year.
“Some of our Flagler County kids have grown up as part of the Pink Army family, and it’s especially rewarding to see them come back and participate with their own children,” said John Subers, Director of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation.
“We love that this community event has become so “family focused”. Our goal is not only to raise funds to assist qualified individuals in our county, but to make this an affordable event for the entire family,” he said.
“Whether they’re jogging and pushing a stroller in the 5K or walking the 1-mile pet friendly walk with their whole team in pink tutus, this is an event that warms everyone’s heart. We’re so pleased to see how it has become a multi-generational event, creating synergy among new friends and spotlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to high fiving our returning participants every year and hope you’ll join us too on October 6, 2024.”
AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation is proud to partner with Parent Magazine and Flagler Schools to offer a 50% discount for students 18 and under. When signing up at PinkOnParade.com/PalmCoast, use the promo code “FlaglerParent” to receive the discount.