LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Friday is for the fillies and the Kentucky Oaks, bringing family and cancer survivors center stage.

Oaks Day is much more than a spectacular day of racing. It is also a celebration of women and cancer survivors.

“My mom, for the first time, she was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, Stage 4 cervical cancer, so we didn’t think she would stick around. We’re ten years after the fact, after some phenomenal treatment and a miracle,” Chris Kiker of South Carolina said.

At Churchill Downs, there’s a triumphant story at every turn.

“My mother had ovarian cancer, and she did a research treatment, and she lived to be 96 years old and we just lost her and she was absolutely wonderful,” Susan Rochester said.

And by sharing Susan Rochester’s story and those like it, we honor their courage and lift up those who need it.

“The Oaks is a really special day for us because we have some survivors in our family that are just really special to us,” Charlotte Kiker said.