Thousands of breast cancer survivors, friends and supporters of breast cancer research participated at the 15th annual Susan G. Komen northwest Ohio Race for the Cure.

The 5-k run-walk celebrates and honors breast cancers survivors and those who stood beside them and help them overcome the disease.

The race is expected to raise more than $3 million for breast-cancer research and for local education programs, classes and medical services. Susan G. Komen for the Cure sustains breast cancer survivors and tries to raise money for education, screening and treatment programs for breast cancer. Organizers estimated that the event brought more than 30,000 people to the race.

Cancer survivors and other participants walked in this years race wearing complimentary pink hats and t-shirts, along with a quote that helped them survive in their though times.

In its history, the Race for the Cure has raised more than $1,000,000 for programs in the state. The first Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure was held 25 years ago in Dallas, Texas. In 2007, the event attracted 3,800 participants.

Breast cancer is the top cause of cancer death among women worldwide with an estimated 500,000 death annually, according to the American Cancer Society. Almost 4,000 people are diagnosed with cancer daily in the U.S. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. In the US each year, more than 180,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed and more than 40,000 women die because of it. Cancer is more common as people get older. Today, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.