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A Community United: The Story of Bar Raising Foundation’s Pink Run N' Rally

How a Local, Dyersville Event Brings Together a Community to Fight Breast Cancer


By: Brandon Hogan (Founder of Bar Raising Fitness)



Bringing the Community Together


Every year, we host an our annual Pink Run N' Rally 5K and Event, an inspiring community gathering in Dyersville, Iowa, dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients and their families. This event is more than just a race; it’s a day where our community comes together to celebrate life, honor those affected by breast cancer, and raise funds for a cause that touches many lives. Over the past four years, this event has evolved into a symbol of strength, unity, and hope, showcasing the best of what our community can achieve when we join forces.


A Day of Fun and Coming Together


The Pink Run N' Rally kicks off with a fun run/walk through our the neighborhood, welcoming participants of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're an avid runner or prefer a nice stroll, the event offers something for everyone. The route winds through the streets, with volunteers and cheering spectators offering encouragement along the way. It’s a sight to behold as runners and walkers, wearing their Pink Run N' Rally shirts, make their way through the course, each step symbolizing support for those battling breast cancer.


But the Pink Run N' Rally is more than just a race. After crossing the finish line, participants and supporters are treated to a day filled with delicious food, exciting raffles, refreshing drinks, and live music. We've been fortunate to feature talented musicians like Dalles Jacobus, who has since moved to Nashville to pursue his music career, Mark Zalaznik, and most recently, BJ McAndrew. These performances add a special touch to our event, creating an atmosphere of celebration and community spirit. Raffle prizes, donated by generous local businesses, along with our 50/50 raffle add an extra layer of excitement, with participants eagerly waiting to see if they’ll be the lucky winners.



The Impact of Breast Cancer


Breast cancer affects countless families, bringing not only emotional stress but also significant financial strain. The diagnosis itself is devastating, but the journey through treatment can be even more challenging. Many patients face unexpected expenses such as travel, lodging, and meals during their, already expense, treatments, many times leading to financial hardship or even bankruptcy. The financial burden adds more stress to an already difficult situation, making it harder for patients to focus on their recovery. This harsh reality underlines the importance of the Pink Run N' Rally. Our event aims to provide not only financial support but also hope and encouragement to those battling breast cancer.


In our community alone, we've seen the impact of breast cancer on numerous families. It's a disease that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. We've had participants share their personal stories of struggle and triumph, creating a network of support and understanding. Hearing these stories motivates us to do more, to raise more funds, and to continue fighting for a cure.


Supporting the Avery Foundation


All proceeds from the Pink Run N' Rally are donated to the Avery Foundation, a nonprofit based in Dubuque, Iowa. The Avery Foundation, established in 2017 in memory of Jim and Julie Avery, understands the challenges faced by cancer patients and their families. The foundation offers support for travel, meals, and lodging, helping to alleviate the financial burden so that patients can focus on their treatment and recovery. We were honored to attend the Avery Foundation's Gala this past September, where we heard firsthand on all the families that have been helped through their grants. It was a humbling experience that made our commitment to this cause even stronger.


The Avery Foundation provides a crucial lifeline to those in need. For example, if a physician refers a patient to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, the foundation helps cover the costs of fuel, meals, and lodging. These expenses, though essential, can be overwhelming for patients and their families. By easing this burden, the Avery Foundation allows patients to concentrate on their treatment and healing. The testimonials we’ve heard from those who have benefited from the foundation's support are heartwarming and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of our annual event.


A Personal Connection


The idea of the event was inspired by a local community member who approached us with the idea for a 5K to support those battling breast cancer. With several of our trainers having mothers who battled breast cancer and multiple clients who either faced the disease themselves or had family members going through it, the cause hit close to home. It was a perfect fit for our mission and values, and we embraced the opportunity to create an event that not only supports breast cancer patients but also provides a day of joy and togetherness for our local community.



In our first year, we were unsure of what to expect. Would people come? Would we be able to make a difference? The response was overwhelming. The community rallied together, showing up to participate, volunteer, and support the cause. It was clear from the start that this event was something special. Each year, the event has grown, attracting more participants, more sponsors, and raising more funds. The stories of courage and resilience we hear each year inspire us to keep pushing forward, to make each event better than the last.


Our Achievements and Future Goals



Over the past four years, we have raised over $49,000! These funds have made a huge difference in the lives of local breast cancer patients, helping to cover the costs of fuel, meals, and lodging during their treatments. Our community’s generosity and support have been overwhelming, and we are proud to partner with an organization that truly cares about its mission and makes a significant impact.


Looking ahead, our goal is to continue growing the Pink Run N' Rally, making it even more successful and impactful each year. We have ambitious plans to expand the event, attracting more participants and sponsors, and raising even more funds for breast cancer patients. We are also exploring additional activities and features to enhance the event experience, ensuring that it remains a day of fun, community, and support for all.


Join Us in Making a Difference


Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to many more years of running, rallying, and raising hope. By coming together, we can continue to provide much-needed support to breast cancer patients and their families, ensuring that no one faces this battle alone. The Pink Run N' Rally is a day to celebrate, support, and unite as we fight breast cancer together.


We invite you to join us in making a lasting impact and creating a brighter, healthier future for all. Whether you participate in the race, volunteer your time, or simply come out to enjoy the festivities, your presence makes a difference. Together, we are stronger, and together, we can make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.




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