LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The 16th Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade sparked tears and smiles in the infield Friday.

There were 150 survivors who walked with their friends and family while proudly wearing pink or blue. Each survivor has survived ovarian cancer or breast cancer.

IMAGES | 150 women participate in Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade

"Oh, I was so excited," participant Amanda Wilson said.

One-by-one and hand-in-hand they walked with their heads held high in front of the Twin Spires.

"It's just the epitome of hope -- together here," participant Maddalena Pentkowski said.

"It's a community of women who share the same history," participant Dora McKnight said.

"The emotion that I am feeling right now, with everything that I've gone through, but also what everybody else has gone through," Pentkowski said.

Pentkowski was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two and a half years ago. Now, she's a survivor.

"Our collective energy and hope and strength," Pentkowski said. "We will not let this disease define us."

With her husband by her side, she looked emotionally into the crowd.

"We plan to move forward with in the fullness of living with every fiber of our being from now on," Pentkowski said.

It's moments like this these women have been looking forward to.

"I'm not alone," participant Dora McKnight said. "We're out in force. We are the power of pink and we are going to beat this."

Each survivor spent the 150th Kentucky Oaks in the Turf Suites.

"It's so emotional," participant Barbie Tafel said. "It's one of the most emotional, special times because everyone out there has a special bond."

Some wore pink for breast cancer and others wore blue for ovarian cancer.

"Despite the rain, my tears will probably ruin everything about my outfit today, but that's OK," participant Chantelle Johnson said. She is in town from North Carolina.

"I'm still getting treatment obviously," Wilson said. "I'm bald."

No matter the amount of months or years each of these ladies are resilient.

"Just don't give up. Just keep on going," Wilson said.

"To see 150 ladies, who are survivors, that's powerful," Johnson said. "That's really powerful."

It's a bond so powerful it caused the crowd to pause.

"It's just so inspirational to meet survivors from all over the country," Johnson said. "I am a nine year survivor --- 14? Yes, 14, so just sharing our journey together, it's just so special to hug on each other and share our journey."

The survivors made sure their walk was a message of unity for everyone fighting cancer.

For Pentkowski, May 3, 2024, is a day she'll never forget.

"This kinda encapsulates the struggle, the fight, and the resilience, day in and day out. You just move forward," she said.

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