Lace Up for a Cause at the Paper Doll Parade and Breast Cancer Awareness 5K

Get ready to celebrate survivors, support breast health awareness and make a difference in the fight against breast cancer at the annual Paper Doll Parade and Breast Cancer Awareness 5K, presented by Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation and sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd, Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and the Floyd Spirit Foundation.

The event returns to Ridge Ferry Park on Saturday, Sept. 26, bringing together families, friends, survivors and supporters for an evening dedicated to hope, education and community. The 5K, a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, begins at approximately 5 p.m., followed by the 2-mile Paper Doll Parade health walk at 5:15 p.m.

A longtime symbol of breast health education in Northwest Georgia, Atrium Health Floyd's iconic paper dolls will once again be showcased throughout the park in festive athletic attire. The dolls represent an important message championed by the Atrium Health Floyd Breast Center: Knowledge is Power. Through education, early detection and access to high-quality breast care, women are empowered to take charge of their health and improve outcomes.

The Breast Center at Atrium Health Floyd provides comprehensive breast imaging, diagnostic services and compassionate support close to home. Events like the Paper Doll Parade help raise awareness about the importance of routine screenings and encourage women to have conversations about breast health with their healthcare providers.

Participants can take pride in knowing their involvement supports an important cause. One dollar from every race and walk registration will help support mammography scholarships for women who may otherwise face financial barriers to screening.

"The Paper Doll Parade and Breast Cancer Awareness 5K is a powerful example of what can happen when community partners come together around a common goal," said Todd Wolford, director of Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation. "We're proud to partner with Atrium Health Floyd's Breast Center, the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation and the Floyd Spirit Foundation to raise awareness about breast health, support women in our community and celebrate the strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors. This event helps reinforce an important message: early detection saves lives, and knowledge is power.”

You can also donate online at https://www.floyd.org/foundation/Pages/Make-a-Donation.aspx and select the Breast Center as the Giving Program.

A costume contest will be held at 4:45 p.m., and breast cancer survivors will be recognized following the race and walk.

Early bird registration is available now through Aug. 30 for $31 for the 5K and $26 for the walk.

Regular registration, which closes Sept. 25, is $41 for the run and $36 for the walk. Late registration will be available in person only and is $46 for both the walk and the run.

Group participants can sign up at a discounted rate through Sept. 16, with groups receiving $5 off per participant. There will be no late registration for groups. For the group registration code, email Lindsey.Jones@floydcountyga.org.

Teams are encouraged to:

• Form teams for a worthy cause.

• Come up with a fun team name.

• Design their own Paper Doll costume or dress in pink from head to toe.

• Celebrate survivors and honor loved ones affected by breast cancer.

Whether you're running, walking, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, your participation helps raise awareness, support early detection efforts and remind our community that when it comes to breast health, knowledge truly is power.

Don't miss this inspiring community tradition that celebrates survivors, honors loved ones affected by breast cancer and supports lifesaving breast health services across our region.

Register today for the Paper Doll Parade and Breast Cancer Awareness 5K at https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Rome/PaperDollParade5K.