For Kent Shanklin, the Race for the Cure is a way for him to heal. Eleven years ago Shanklin's wife Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer.

"She came to me one day with a lump on her breast," Shanklin said. "We immediately went to the doctor. Eight months after we were married Melissa was diagnosed with breast cancer."

The news devastated the young couple. They were still in their twenties when they were faced with the biggest challenge of their lives.

"After about 10 or 11 months of treatment we were given the all clear," Shanklin said. "A year later she was complaining of back pains. It was a matter of two months later and she was gone."

Ten years later, Kent says the feelings are still there. He says the sense of loss is always with him. But, attending events like the Race for the Cure helps Kent find solace. He says being among other survivors is comforting.

"It takes events like this to see you're not alone," Kent said. "There are so many people who are out there to support you."

On Sunday, Kent walked for his wife and for the countless men and women who have or will have breast cancer in their lifetime. It's an event he says he plans on attending until there is a cure for the disease that took away the love of his life.

(KUSA-TV © 2012 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)