By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Campground Church Road, just outside of Luverne, transformed into a sea of pink on the brisk morning of Oct. 19 as the community banded together in a vibrant display of support for one of their own. 

A Color Run was organized by the Campground Methodist Church’s Christians in Action (CIAs) group, led by Bille Carr Jones, to support their fellow church member and Luverne resident, Angie Morgan in her second battle against breast cancer. 

Miley Taylor, event organizer and member of the Campground CIAs, expressed her gratitude to all that helped make the event a success.

“We are so thankful for those who have donated, sponsored, volunteered and contributed in any way, shape or form.” Taylor said. “We could not have made this happen without you. There are too many names and organizations to mention but thank you all so very much. $13,021 was the total amount raised and my heart is so full!”

Morgan’s journey with breast cancer began in May 2021 when she was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She underwent 16 chemo treatments, ringing the “cancer free bell” on Oct. 29, 2021.

However, after being cancer free for about 16 months, in September, the word “cancer” returned Her struggle with breast cancer has deeply touched the hearts of those in the Campground CIAs. According to Taylor, Morgan is not only an integral part of Campground Church, but is also a cherished figure in both her life and in the community. 

“Mrs. Angie is also the mother of two of my best friends,” Taylor said. “When we were told she was diagnosed again, we (CIAs) decided this was something we wanted to do for her, and to raise awareness for breast cancer. There are many people that do not realize how many women are diagnosed each year and raising awareness has been important to me for a long time. I have always been an advocate for awareness of all cancer types, but this Breast Cancer Awareness month was a little more special than the others because of the recent re-diagnoses of Mrs. Angie.”

A total of 153 people registered and participated in the event. Those who registered before Sept. 28 received a commemorative T-shirt.

Buttons and drawstring bags with various breast cancer awareness designs were available for purchase, with proceeds from the event going to Morgan and her family. 

The first to cross the finish line was Lisa Turner of Luverne, with her son Cam right by her side. They completed the run in 26 minutes and 54 seconds and were recognized with keepsake medallions. Also recognized as being the “Pinkest Runners” were Ellis Powell, Mike Stewart, Emmy Downing, Laura-Ann Stewart, Lauren Jane Bagwel, Maggie Ballard, Jamie Morgan, and Missy Bryan in various age groups. The “Pinkest Group” title was awarded to Grace Williams, Vicki Williams and Brandy Odom.

After the event, Morgan shared her thoughts of gratitude for the love and support shown at the Color Run and throughout her journey.

“I am overwhelmed by the Color Run and how many people were involved,” Morgan said. “Now I’ve just got to kick this cancer’s butt so I can pay it forward! What an awesome God we serve! “Today can be described as perfection. It was filled with all things I love; church, community, family, friends (old and new) pink, pink and more pink! I have never felt so loved as I have today. I love my small town.”

Morgan was very thankful for the kindness and support shown to her and was even more delighted that she had an opportunity to help bring awareness to the disease. 

“My message to all of you ladies is get your mammogram and self-check MONTHLY not occasionally!” Morgan emphasized. “Even if you need a sticky note on your bathroom mirror, write it on your pretty shower wall, or set a reminder on your phone. My cancer is at stage 4, and I should have found it sooner! I want to bring awareness to breast cancer. I want my story to reach far and wide, and my story is not over yet. One in eight women are going to be diagnosed with breast cancer, so know your body!”

Morgan will finish her first round of chemo in Nov. and then will visit MD Anderson in Texas on Dec. 4 for a second opinion. As her journey continues, she faces it with determination, faith, and a community that stands by her side. The Color Run was more than just a race; it was a vivid symbol of unity, resilience, and hope in the battle against breast cancer.