In a quiet neighborhood filled with morning walkers and friendly faces, something extraordinary happened. What began as a simple daily walk led by Carol—even on days after chemotherapy—turned into a powerful community event that rallied nearly 150 people for a cause close to the heart: raising awareness and funds for sarcoma.

Carol’s journey has been anything but easy. On July 12, 2022, she was diagnosed with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Just a few months later, she underwent major surgery. Doctors removed a large mass, one kidney, part of her pancreas, a portion of her colon, her spleen, and multiple additional tumors hidden beneath the largest one.

By January 2023, new tumors had grown, leading her to begin chemo in pill form. In July 2023, she went through radiation, and that September, she endured a second surgery followed by internal radiation. From March 2024 to the present, Carol has faced three more rounds of chemotherapy.

Through it all, she has leaned on her deep faith in God and the unwavering support of her family and friends. That faith and her determination, carried her outside nearly every morning for her three-mile neighborhood walks.

By her side on those walks were her two dear friends, . They not only joined Carol every morning but also dreamed bigger alongside her. When the three searched for a local sarcoma walk and found none, they decided to create one of their own. “If it doesn’t exist, let’s make it happen,” Cyndi said. And together, they did.

With Kim and Cyndi helping to plan and rally support—and Jordan Kirby, a friend of Carol's daughter Kim leading the way on marketing, flyers, and T-shirts—the grassroots 5K came to life. It wasn’t about official registrations or blocked roads. It was about people walking together in love, strength, and solidarity. The effort raised over $2,400, all of which was donated directly through Carol’s fundraiser profile on the Sarcoma Awareness Foundation.

Attendees came from every corner of Carol’s life—church members, neighbors, family, and friends, many knowing her by different names: Nana, mom, sister, friend. “It was a day of joy,” Carol said. “Some people I didn’t even know came. It made me feel incredibly blessed.”

For Kim and Cyndi, the event was an extension of their daily walks and their deep friendship with Carol. “We walk with her every day, so bringing the community along felt natural,” Kim shared. “Carol inspires us, and this was our chance to show her how much she means to all of us.”

The group hopes to make the 5K an annual tradition. More than a fundraiser, the walk was a testament to friendship, community spirit, and the power of one woman’s courage to bring people together.

For those inspired by Carol’s journey and wanting to contribute, the donation link remains open through her profile on the Sarcoma Awareness Foundation. 

As Kim and Cyndi noted, “People came because they’re inspired by the way she fights—with dignity and strength. Carol is the reason we all showed up.”