BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The 16th annual Gina Davis Walk Ride 4 Hope happened in Buffalo on Saturday. Gina Davis, founder of Jes Breathe, is a breast cancer survivor who wanted to broaden community support.
"In October, the world is pink, but we have all these cancers that the community is affected by," Davis said. "I thought to do something for the community because I'm a 16-year champion. I want to know more about all cancers and how we can help all patients."
WATCH: Buffalo cancer survivor hosts 16th annual Gina Davis Walk Ride 4 Hope
The event featured a motorcade with vehicles representing different cancers. At the ride, breast cancer survivor Betty Jean Grant shared her journey, being diagnosed in 2023. She told me she had a mastectomy to remove the tumor instead of chemo due to her age. Her mother and grandmother died from breast cancer.
"If there is a history of cancer in your family, especially breast cancer, go ahead and have everybody in your female side of your family get them tested. It's never too late to do that," Grant said. "Sometimes they say you should start a breast examination at 30. You should have the mammogram at 40 because we are all about saving lives."
Her advice to anyone starting their cancer journey is:
"Get with a nutritionist and eat cleaner. We can't just eat anything," she said. "When we were younger, there was a commercial that used to come on all the time, and a cartoon that said 'You are what you eat.' It's so true."
Two more events are coming up, Pink Boots to the Ground from 5 to 9 p.m. on October 3, and the Grace Projects, which empowers women who have had mastectomies or are going through treatment. The event is scheduled for October 24 at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Davis announced the launch of a fundraising campaign for the "Gina Davis Citadel," a $3.7 million project. The facility aims to house people in the local community and provide a peaceful space for people to stop by during the start of their journey.
