LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Online nominations are now being takent for the Survivors Walk at the 146th running of the Kentucky Oaks. 

  • Survivor's Walk Nominations Open
  • 146 walkers will be chosen
  • Nominations close March 22 at 11:59 p.m.

146 breast and ovarian cancer survivors will be selected to participate inthe parade.

You can nominate and vote on survivors for the parade or donate to Norton Cancer Institute on the Kentucky Derby website. Nominations and voting will take place until March 22 at 11:59 p.m. The 146 winner will be announced on March 23 at noon.

“The Survivors Parade has really come to represent the heart of Kentucky Derby week to many fans. The image of women celebrating their survival with family and friends, those still on their hard fought cancer journey and sadly, some walking in memory of a dear loved one is incredibly impactful and inspiring,” said Tonya Abeln, President of Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation."

This will be the twelfth year for the Survivor's Parade at the Longines Kentucky Oaks.  Churchill Downs does the parade in conjunction with Norton Cancer Institute and Derby Divas to help raise money to provide care breast care to local women who don't have access to the screenings and services.

In the years since the first parade, Churchill Downs has donated and raised more than $1 million for organizations that help women's health.  For the fourth year in a row, Churchill Downs is going to donate $50,000 to the Breast Health Program at Norton Cancer Institute. In addition, $1 for every Finlandia Oaks Lily sold on Oaks Day will be donated to the Derby Divas.

 

 

The monies raised through this partnership have helped renovate the Norton Prevention & Wellness Mobile Prevention Center, which provides screenings to underserved patients 40 years old or older. 

“Our partnership with Derby Divas and Churchill Downs means that more critical breast health programs are accessible to the women in our community. This includes providing access to mammograms and critical screenings through our Mobile Prevention Center and at centers throughout the region,” said Lynnie Meyer, Ed.D, R.N., CFRE, Norton Healthcare senior vice president and chief development officer.

If you are wondering we are 74 days from the 146th running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. For all things Oaks, Derby, and Derby Festival related, go to our special Derby 146 section.