Sharon Carter is a true pink lady.

No, she’s not a cocktail or a hospital volunteer decked out in a pink pinafore. She is a survivor — made up of love, grit and determination — and a community volunteer fighting for other women.

Carter, a two-time breast cancer survivor, knows all too well what it means to fight the horrible disease. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and again in 2012. Her treatments included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She said through prayer, support of her family and friends and the power of God, she won both battles with breast cancer.

Carter said her encounter with the disease inspired her to do all that she could to raise awareness, foster learning and improve understanding within her community. Carter started the Pink Lady Walk in 2014 to raise money for families and individuals with cancer. She wanted to address the unexpected expenses that accompany the disease, so being able to provide financial support became her primary goal.

Unlike some women, Carter had a job and insurance when she fought the disease. But she knows the cost just to drive to and from treatment can be substantial.

“I had chemo and radiation treatment both times,” Carter previously told The News Courier. “I had great insurance for my treatments, but nobody thinks about the in-between stuff; you still have to get there.”

As a survivor, Carter believes women with breast cancer fight two battles, the disease and the financial burden.

Since starting the Pink Lady Walk, Carter’s organization has been able to help six breast cancer survivors, one childhood cancer patient and Hospice of Limestone County.

Two years ago, Carter formed the Pink Lady Walk into a nonprofit organization known as Pink Lady.

The goals of the organization are to educate, inspire and support.

Sharon said the organization, which is also a member of the Greater Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, now has a talented board of directors, dedicated volunteers, donations from individuals and businesses, and community support as it continues to reach its goals.

Carters wants the Pink Lady Walk to continue to grow in order to reach more and more people across the world.

The Pink Lady Walk is set to step off at 9:30 a.m. today at Jimmy Gill Park, at 333 W. Sanderfer Road in Athens. From Jimmy Gill Park the walk takes a 2.1-mile route around surrounding neighborhoods. Participants dress in pink from head to toe.

The event, which started out with approximately 50 walkers, has grown to more than 200 participants.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Carter said. “We are small, but growing. We are gaining strength as we grow.

To find out more about the Pink Lady Walk and how you can help, visit pinkladywalk.org.