More than 26,000 men and woman celebrated those who have survived as well as honored those who have died from breast cancer Saturday, as an army of pink coated Dallas for Race for the Cure.

Holly Lukeman sported a pink “Hula Hooters” shirt Saturday morning at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Dallas. 

Now in remission for five years, Lukeman, 56, joined family and friends from as far away as Arkansas to participate in this year’s annual race. 

“It really gives you goose bumps when you see all these people out here supporting the same cause,” said Lukeman’s daughter, Kati Furseth. 

With 38 participants this year, the “Hula Hooters” had the most people in their group since the start of their participation in Race for the Cure in 2005.

“We just tell people to come do it. It’s cool. It makes you feel so good,” said Lukeman, who became teary-eyed as she looked around at all the supporters. 

Lukeman was just one among more than 26,000 men and women of all ages who joined together at North Park Center to walk, run, be strolled or volunteer in the 27th annual Race for the Cure in Dallas. 

Decked out in pink boas, tutus, bandanas and hats, participants wore shirts proclaiming their fight against breast cancer, ranging from “Lulu’s Warriors” to “Boobalicious” and “Bosom Buddies.” 

Of the money raised in Dallas, up to 75 percent of the funds remains in the community to fund education and local cancer programs while the remaining 25 percent supports the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Award and Research Grant Program.

SMU junior Elizabeth Kirkpatrick choked up as she participated in her first Race for the Cure in Dallas.  She participated throughout high school in Little Rock, Ark., in memory of a family friend who had breast cancer.  

“All these women really [take] life by the horns,” Kirkpatrick said. “It’s very cool to see everyone out here and to be involved. It’s not just about women anymore—there are so many men out here supporting their moms, sisters, daughters and friends.”

Wearing a picture of his wife on the back of his T-shirt, Fred Langridge walked in memory of his wife, Pat, as his 15th year participating in the race. 

“It’s nice to know that there are so many people who share that common bond,” Langridge said. 

A group of students from Carrollton Creekview High School showed their support though none of their lives had been personally affected by breast cancer. 

This group of young women achieved their goal and raised $5,600 to support breast cancer research and awareness. 

One of the students, Megan Loudermilk, said, “We could save a life.” 

Another student, Haley Cordray said, “There is a good chance that I or someone else who is close to me could get [breast cancer].” 

A motivated and enlivened army of pink lined up for the Fun Walk at 7:30 a.m. on Boedeker Street.

More serious runners competed in the 5k run at 8:00 a.m. on Park Lane heading toward Walnut Hill Lane. 

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 in Dallas by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Nancy’s promise to Suzy was that she would do everything possible to find a cure for breast cancer.

Statistics for how much money was raised this year have not yet been released.