A group of more than 300 breast cancer survivors gathered on the field of the MacAfee Coliseum Saturday to form a human “ribbon” of hope.

They filed into the sunlight wearing pink T-shirts and A’s caps, sporting wide grins to participate in the Eighth Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

The day-long celebration was presented by John Muir Heath and partially sponsored by the Contra Costa Times to spread the word about early detection and treatment and to raise money to fight the disease.

For Sherilyn Gordon, a professional singer from Walnut Creek who performed the National Anthem before the game, the day was about lending her voice to the cause. Gordon had no heath insurance and little money when she discovered a lump in her breast several years ago. She credits John Muir with saving her life by helping her get treatment.

“I feel very blessed because I think if I waited very much longer, I think it would have turned out differently,” Gordon said.

She was there Saturday to tell women not to be afraid, to help people understand there are treatment options out there for women of all races and income levels. “You’re not alone,” she said.

Earlier in the day, the women gathered at the Coliseum’s East Side Club for breakfast and speeches. A’s pitcher Kirk Saarloos, whose mother, Linda, is a breast cancer survivor, choked back tears as he told them how she discovered her cancer last year during spring training.

He found out she was keeping the terrifying news from him because she didn’t want his mind clouded as he tried to earn a spot on the team’s roster. “I told her there are more important things than me,” he said. “I’ve got to applaud you guys for all your strength and all that you’ve gone through.”

Cristina Hickey of Walnut Creek, a seven-year survivor told the women that although the disease is “as individual as fingerprints” everyone needs the same thing: steadfast support.

She described how she found a group of survivors and women undergoing treatment and how they helped each other through the hard times. They talked about how to redefine their self-images after the loss of breasts and hair, how to re-energize their sexuality and how to help loved ones cope. “How do you put them at ease when you’re not at ease yourself,” Hickey said.

By all accounts, the day was a success. Even before the A’s took the field against the Baltimore Orioles, organizers had raised more than $100,000 selling memorabilia, special seat tickets and raffle tickets.

Over the past eight years, Breast Cancer Awareness Day has brought in nearly $800,000, said A’s spokeswoman Kristy Fick. The money will be spent on research, education, advocacy and free services for cancer patients in the Bay Area.

Source: Mercury News.com