SAN ANTONIO – Saturday morning, thousands of people are expected to gather around Westover Hills Methodist Hospital for the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk.

The event was previously known as Race for the Cure. The goal is to raise funds to support people fighting breast cancer.

A breast cancer survivor and surgeon told KSAT12 why the walk means so much to San Antonio.

Paige Castaneda, 50, told KSAT this year’s event will be different for her. She has donated to the Komen Foundation before, but this is her first time participating in the walk since being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Castaneda learned of her diagnosis last April after her annual mammogram at Methodist Hospital.

“I just found a lump. And then…I got a call from the breast center saying ‘it’s time for your mammogram,'” Castaneda said.

Castaneda has since undergone a double mastectomy. She did not need to undergo chemotherapy or radiation because her cancer was detected so early. It’s something that Dr. Brittany DeBerry, a surgical oncologist, said is possible because screening technology today is much better.

“Our imaging technology has evolved tremendously over the course of my practice…we’re seeing things at much smaller sizes and at much earlier stages than before,” DeBerry said.

Dr. DeBerry said that in addition to supporting research, organizations like the Susan G. Komen Foundation are important because of how they support patients battling breast cancer.

“(They can help with) simple things like paying the bills… when they’re on treatment and not working. I think supporting organizations in the city that help patients financially and then help them close that gap (is key),” DeBerry said.

Castaneda told KSAT12 she is focused on her recovery, spending time with her daughters and “living her life.”

“Once diagnosed, every day is special. And you don’t want to waste it,” Castaneda said.

KSAT12’s Stephania Jimenez will host the march. To register, Click here.

The event opens to the public on November 2 at 7:30 a.m. The walk starts at 9:30 a.m.

Participants can park at Northwest Vista College. Buses start running at 6:00 a.m. and the last buses will leave the march site at 12:45 p.m. Strollers are allowed on buses. Accessible parking is located at Westover Hills Methodist Hospital. More information can be found here.

If you cannot attend this event, you have other opportunities. Methodist Hospital – Atascosa County will host the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk at Jourdanton High School Football Stadium on Saturday, November 9 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m….