Local activists form a human cancer ribbon and take a shot at breast cancer

Earlier in August, a group of cancer survivors with their friends and families dressed in pink and descended on Keller Park in Port Huron to celebrate life. With some shuffling and shifting and moving around on the park lawn, they were able to form a Human Breast Cancer Ribbon. Then it was time for the shot. A group photo was taken from the top of the municipal building on McMorran Boulevard.

For the past seven years, Steve and Emily Goudy have hosted "Taking a Shot at Breast Cancer." Besides the honor of being in the largest cancer ribbon in the county, the photo is also featured in a calendar and sold to raise money for local cancer causes. Group shots of cancer survivors and their families are also taken that day at the riverside park and are included in the calendar.

Participants at the event also take part in 50/50 raffles on items donated by local businesses to sweeten the pot.

Emily Goudy says the human ribbon "signifies community involvement and togetherness, celebrating the fight against breast cancer."

Last year, the group was able to donate $10,000 to the new Karmanos Cancer Institute Survivorship Fund. Steven Goudy said after losing several family members to the deadly disease, they wanted to be more proactive.

"We wanted to do something besides buy the t-shirt," he says.

That was seven years ago. Because of the overwhelming support shown to the cause, they have raised more than $14,000. All proceeds from the calendar are donated to the St. Clair County Community Foundation, which manages a special endowment fund for the group that supports cancer awareness and its eventual eradication. The calendars are $5 each and are available at many businesses in St. Clair County or by visiting the website at takingashotatbreastcancer.com.

This year, they are also stepping up to their first annual  5K Run and 2-Mile Walk, picking up the torch as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer moves out of the area. The event is Oct. 2 at the Fort Gratiot Trail. For more information or to sign up for the run, visit the website at takingashotatbreastcancer.com.