The fight against breast and ovarian cancers will again be the focus of Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs.The 140th running of the Kentucky Oaks will be preceded by the 6th annual Pink Out andSurvivors Parade. Both focus on raising awareness and funds for cancer research.The 2014 Survivors Parade will include 140 people who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer.John Asher, vice president of racetrack communications at Churchill Downs, said it's part of Churchill Downs' mission to include the Survivor’s Parade and Pink Out celebration into the annual Oaks’ celebration.“ We hope that someday we can get to a Kentucky Oaks where there is no need to have a parade like this and we’ll have a cure for breast cancer and we’ll focus on other health issues, but this remains the main focus of Kentucky Oaks day,” Asher said.Churchill Downs will also team with the non-profit organization, Bright Pink, to raise funds for breast cancer awareness, education and screening. Racetrack officials jump started the fundraising on Tuesday with a $50,000 donation.Nominations for the Survivors Parade are being accepted on the Churchill Downs’ website until March 31. The chosen participants will be announced on April 1.The Kentucky Oaks is set for May 2.
