For two decades, the annual Pink Pass It On in the District 5K Walk has brought people together in downtown Quincy for a cause bigger than a race, bigger than a fundraiser, and bigger than a single day each October. It has become a community tradition built on support, remembrance, hope, and helping local breast cancer patients when they need it most.
As Joy Berhorst prepares for her final year at the helm of the event, she has been looking back on a journey that began with a simple desire to give back.
The walk was originally created by The District's retail promotion committee at a time when community walks and awareness events were far less common than they are today. Around the same time, the Blessing Breast Center’s financial assistance program through the Blessing Foundation was beginning to take shape. Berhorst and fellow business owners saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
"Most of the business owners were women, and many of our customers were women," Berhorst said. "We felt it was a great idea to begin this journey of giving back."
Over the years, the annual event has helped provide financial assistance for local breast cancer patients facing expenses that insurance often does not cover, including transportation costs, hotel accommodations, utility bills, and other necessities. The fact that funds raised stay within the local community has always been one of the event's driving principles.
Listening to survivors share their stories reinforced the importance of that mission.
"Sometimes people just need a little boost to get through a rough patch," Berhorst said. "If this event could ease that burden, even a little, it was a way we could make a difference."
The event has generated important financial support in the form of $136,200 in funds over its 20-year run. Those funds have remained local to support patients enduring one of the most critical experiences. While that’s no small feat to overlook, Berhorst believes the greatest strength of the event may be the sense of connection it creates.
Unlike many fundraising walks, Pink Pass It On has remained intentionally focused on fellowship and storytelling. Every year, participants gather not only to walk, but to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and support families affected by breast cancer.
"We cry, we laugh, and we support our survivor as she tells her journey," Berhorst said. "Sometimes she's just beginning treatment. Sometimes she's in the middle of the fight. Sometimes we're blessed to hear that her battle is won."
The morning begins with participants picking up their event T-shirts and enjoying coffee, cupcakes, family photos, and prize drawings before gathering around the gazebo at Washington Park. There, survivors share personal experiences, participants observe a moment of silence, and many join together in prayer for patients, families, and caregivers.
For Berhorst, those moments have become the heart of the event.
"It isn't just about raising money," she said. "It's about a few hundred people showing up to support each other, sharing a laugh and a cry."
Over the years, participants have found unique ways to celebrate and honor loved ones. Families arrive dressed in pink, sporting pink wigs, decorating their pets, and creating lasting memories together. Some travel significant distances each year to be part of the event.
The walk's success would not have been possible without a dedicated network of volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and supporters. She also credits the many survivors who have bravely shared their stories and inspired participants year after year.
Although Berhorst herself is not a breast cancer survivor, she says the cause has touched her life in other ways.
"We are all touched by it in our own way," she said. "Whether you're a caregiver, part of a support system, or someone encouraging early detection, there are many ways to make a difference."
Now, after 20 years of leadership, Berhorst believes the time is right for a new chapter. While she is stepping away from coordinating the event, she plans to remain available as a resource and supporter.
As the effort enters its next era, Berhorst hopes the community tradition will continue to grow while staying true to its purpose – supporting local patients, celebrating survivors, and reminding those facing breast cancer that they never walk alone.
Among her favorite traditions is seeing the bridges illuminated in pink each October, a visible reminder of the community's commitment to the cause, and while some traditions have changed over the years, the spirit of the event has remained constant.
Reflecting on two decades of memories, Berhorst's message is one of gratitude.
"Many thanks to all of our survivors, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters along the way," she said. "May God bless each one of you. It's time to say, 'Pink Pass It On.'"
While Joy will step away from the event, Blessing plans to continue the walk, carrying forward the tradition she helped shape over two decades. Blessing appreciates all of Joy’s efforts and looks forward to building upon the amazing foundation she has built.