LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - Next weekend hundreds of people are expected to flood Waterfront Park dressed in all shades of pink for the Susan G. Komen More than Pink Walk.

Emmanuel Bryant started wearing pink when his mom, Jerhonda, was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Emmanuel Bryant shows breast cancer bracelet

Pictured: this image grab taken from video shows a once hot pink bracelet Emmanuel Bryant bought before his mother died of breast cancer in 2012. He hasn't taken it off since her death. will be taking part in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk at Waterfront Park on Oct. 28, 2023 (WDRB image)

"I walk for my momma, my sisters, and honestly anybody. The first thing I did was go and buy a bracelet for her," Bryant said, "to show support for her."

Bryant's mom fought hard for a year, but died in 2012. 

Bryant hasn't taken off the once hot pink bracelet. It's now barely a shade of light pink. However, he has added some new hot pink to the mix -- a wig and a tutu.

He's been on about 150 breast cancer walks all over the country. "I want to give back," he said, adding that his hot pink wig and tutu serve as good conversation starters about cancer. For him, it's a way of finding strength in a shared struggle.

"You can change somebody's life and help somebody just being there for them. So coming to the walks, meeting new people, is one of the best things you could ever do," Bryant said. 

Emmanuel Bryant in hot pink wig

Pictured: this image grab taken from video shows Emmanuel Bryant, who will be taking part in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk at Waterfront Park on Oct. 28, 2023. He has been in more than 150 similar walks since his mom died in 2012. (WDRB image)

Lori Mitchell, the development manager for Susan G. Komen Indiana and Kentucky, agrees. "Just the connections that you see happening is just amazing," she said. 

This year's walk in Louisville will feature a pink carpet for survivors as they arrive, a 360-degree photo booth, Hope Village, and the walk itself, which raises money to help organizations like Komen find a cure. 

"If you know someone who has been through breast cancer treatment, more than likely their treatment was created by a Komen researcher," Mitchell said. 

Since 1982 Komen has invested $1.1 billion in research to find a cure, and the money raised also goes back to patients in the community as they are dealing with the disease.

"Whether that's household bills, or immediate needs, car repairs, things like that, medical bills. They can use that however they see fit."

Emmanuel Bryant poses with his mother

Pictured: this image grab taken from video shows Emmanuel Bryant posing with his mother. He will be taking part in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk at Waterfront Park on Oct. 28, 2023. He has been in more than 150 similar walks since his mom died of breast cancer in 2012. (WDRB image)

From the fundraising to the new found connections, it's all about coming together and lifting each other up.

"My momma taught me how to hug somebody. She was like that's the biggest thing you can give somebody when you don't have the words."

Organizers hope to raise $100,000 during the walk. 

The Susan G. Komen More than Pink Walk is scheduled for Oct. 28. You can sign up now: click here.

Related Stories:

Copyright 2023 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.