They are united in their experience, bonded by what they’ve been through. So these breast cancer survivors join together now to help breast cancer patients in their day-to-day needs.

The Pink Sisters, a Lincoln County group that’s been around for more than 15 years, assists when patients need rides to chemotherapy treatments, assistance with prosthetics, help with other needs and — most importantly — encouragement from others who have been where they are.

“The Pink Sisters is a group of all breast cancer survivors (who) help other breast cancer patients as they go through chemo and afterward — whatever they need,” said Pink Sister Margarette Cook.

The first Saturday in October, the second day of the Ole Brook Festival in downtown Brookhaven, the 10th annual Pink Sisters 5K Foam Run/Walk will begin at 8 a.m. in front of the main stage — located on Cherokee Street between State Bank and Brookhaven ENT. The run will not be timed.

The cost of the run is $25 per adult participant and $12 per child age 10 and under.  Proceeds from the 5K will stay in Lincoln County to help breast cancer patients who live locally.

In previous years, MS Girls 4 A Cure was involved in the 5K event. This year, however, they’ve handed it over to the Pink Sisters in order to keep all funds raised helping local people.

Members of the Pink Sisters are all breast cancer survivors, but anyone can participate in the 5K and anyone can get involved — survivors, patients, families of patients and survivors, or anyone who loves someone affected by breast cancer.

“The goal of the Pink Sisters is just to help as many breast cancer patients and their families as possible, because we all know what it’s like to have been there and have that support,” said Cook.