Churchill Downs announced today that applications for the 2023 Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade will open on Saturday, January 21. This year’s Survivors Parade will honor 149 breast and ovarian cancer fighters and survivors plus tickets for selected recipients and a guest to the 149th Longines Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 5, 2023 and includes a Unforgettable parade on historic track at Churchill Downs. Those who have overcome or are battling a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer but have never participated in the Oaks Survivors Parade are encouraged to submit their stories at www.kentuckyderby.com/survivors from January 21 to February 22, 2023. Those who wish to nominate a potential participant for consideration are encouraged to share a direct submission link with the candidate so they can submit their eligibility information. involve.
For the 15th Survivors Parade, Churchill Downs will showcase and support Derby Divas through the Norton Cancer Institute Breast Health Program and Horses and Hope through the Kentucky Cancer Program. Both organizations provide critical services that help provide care to underserved women in the region, including those in the backcountry of the state, who do not have access to breast health services and exams. The Kentucky Oaks philanthropic initiative has raised about $1 million to raise awareness of breast and ovarian health and life-saving interventions over the past 14 years.
For the first time, participants in the 2023 Survivors Parade will be selected at random rather than by public vote to optimize opportunity and equal consideration. This year’s submission process will be the first public in two years since the Survivors’ Parade is held in virtual format for 2020 and 2021 to comply with COVID-19 safety protocols. . Last year, survivors selected for 2020 were warmly welcomed to Churchill Downs for one of the long-awaited, memorable and emotional memorials.
To celebrate the Road to the Kentucky Oaks qualifying races, Survivors Parade entries will open on Saturday, January 21, to match Silverbulletday at the Fair Grounds and selected entrants will be announced on Saturday, February 25, on the day of the Cincinnati Trophy Stakes at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming. In addition to the call to submit entries, fans are encouraged to join the fundraising effort to support breast and ovarian health by donating to Kentucky Oaks charity partners at www.kentuckyderby.com/survivors.
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