This year’s Tidelands Health In the Pink breast cancer awareness walk at Brookgreen Gardens drew a record crowd of participants, united by a powerful theme: No one walks alone.

In the sea of pink, friends, family and community members came together to rally behind current breast cancer fighters, celebrate survivors and honor those lost to the disease.

For one breast cancer fighter, Dawn Konopka of Myrtle Beach, this year’s theme held special meaning. Diagnosed with breast cancer in May, she was eager to participate in the walk – unaware of who would be joining her to make this event unforgettable.

Six long-time friends secretly made plans to surprise her at the event, traveling more than 11 hours from Ohio and 17 hours from Michigan to walk with her.

“The opportunity came to register for In the Pink, and we all realized this is what we need to do,” says Amanda Saxton, Konopka’s friend since kindergarten who lives in Michigan. “And we needed to make this a surprise because this girl deserves the world.”

Konopka, a local substitute teacher, is receiving care and treatment through the Tidelands Health Cancer Care Network. She was invited on stage during In the Pink to share a few words about her cancer journey. Through tear-filled eyes, she shared inspirational words of encouragement to her fellow fighters and thanked her friends and family who have supported her.

After Konopka’s inspiring words, Ed Piotrowski, In the Pink emcee and WPDE ABC 15 News Chief Meteorologist, asked Konopka to turn around to face the back of the stage where her friends – wearing matching shirts with the message “Friend of a Warrior” – were eager to surprise her.

“I am shocked that they are here,” Konopka says. “It still doesn’t feel real.”

Saxton, a cancer survivor herself, says her and Konopka have a close relationship, despite the 1,000 miles that separate them. She knows that no matter what, she can always count on Konopka.

“She is the light in everyone’s life and the joy in every moment,” Saxton says. “Dawn is the rock in every family and every relationship and every situation. I am blessed to know her.”

Konopka says she is thankful that she isn’t going through this journey alone.

“For them to show up for me like this, it means a lot,” Konopka says. “It warms my heart that they’re here, and I thank God for everyone he’s put in my life, to have my back and show this support.”

A record 2,100-plus people donned their best pink to participate in the walk. Sponsors, participants and supporters donated more than $180,000, with proceeds benefiting the Tidelands Health breast care fund.