Breast cancer awareness events may not seem like the place that would conjure feelings of inspiration and strength, but that’s exactly what the Pink Hat Tea celebration does.

The annual event is sponsored by the Lutheran Medical Center, Cancer Centers of Colorado, and this year was held April 16 at the Arvada Center.

Keynote speaker, breast cancer survivor and ESPN correspondent Shelley Smith told her story of beating cancer and motivated the group to keep moving—both mentally and physically.

“I thought about those first few months and what got me through,” she said. “It was having a plan — that’s what kept me moving forward.”

She also stressed the importance working out to stay healthy. As a part of this year’s theme to keep active, the event started off with a Zumba demonstration to show attendees a non-conventional way to exercise.

Everyone in the room stood to participate in a fierce Zumba dance. The hundreds of women participants moving together seemed like a group of old friends.

“I feel so at home, even though I don’t know anyone here,” Paige Bartels said.

Recently marking two years as a survivor, she is grateful to have friends who have been through the same stresses and pain that she has. “With survivors, you don’t have to explain,” she said. “You just talk.”

Upon being diagnosed with breast cancer, patients often must educate themselves on a myriad of new topics — from treatment options to medications. It’s a huge undertaking to understand a diagnosis and to know what’s next.

“We talk about how inspiring this community is, and how steep the dues are to be a part of this group,” Bartels said in reference to the strength and education it takes to survive breast cancer.

Bartels is looking for new, enjoyable ways to stay active. “I signed up for the dragon boat rowing,” she said.

Many unique exercise groups at the event handed out information. Reda Dillingham, a seven-year survivor, was perusing pamphlets about snowshoeing and hiking. She’s always been active, but recently medical complications have disrupted her exercise routine.

“There are long-term effects from it,” she said about her breast cancer survivorship.

This is her second year attending the event. She comes back for the community and the education. “I love attending,” Dillingham said. “It’s so much information, and I get to see people I don’t normally see.”

Dillingham, who lost her mother to breast cancer, was diagnosed at a young age. “I knew it was going to happen (to me),” she said. “But I didn’t expect it to happen at age 38.”

Since her diagnosis and into survivorship she has been walking and swimming to stay active.

Smith inspired her audience during the keynote to continue making steps towards a healthy, active lifestyle. Research suggests being active can help to prevent recurrent cancer.

“Move, and keep moving,” she said. “I know there’s a chance that it could come back but I’m going to keep moving forward — because I refuse to live my life in fear.”