Every year, the Colors of Courage 5K race brings together individuals from all walks of life for a cause much larger than themselves. Proceeds from the event go directly to cancer patients from Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC), a place where strength and hope are often tested, but never extinguished.
This race is not just about running—it’s about standing beside those who are fighting or have fought some of the toughest battles of their lives. It’s about friendship, support, and the courage to keep going, no matter how uncertain the road ahead may seem.
For Amber Skeens, a medical assistant in cardiac rehab at PMC, participating in the Colors of Courage 5K held a deeply personal meaning this year. She wasn’t just running to cross the finish line—she was running for her best friend Melissa McGhee who has been battling Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) since 2013. Their bond, forged during their college days as sorority sisters at Morehead State University, has only grown stronger through the years.
“Missy has been my friend for a long time now,” Amber shares, her voice filled with emotion. “She has been in a fight against cancer, so in support of my best friend, I’m running to honor her.”
Amber and Melissa’s friendship began when they were both members of the Tri Sigma sorority. Melissa, who served as Amber’s advisor, quickly became her mentor and her best friend. Together, they worked to build their sorority chapter, creating something bigger than themselves—just as they’ve done in their friendship.
“I really enjoyed working with Amber and helping her progress into the wonderful woman she is today and in her career at PMC,” Melissa reflects, proud of the woman her friend has become. The bond they share has been a source of strength for both women, especially during times of vulnerability.
When Melissa was diagnosed with leukemia in 2013, her life changed in ways she never anticipated. At 38, she was suddenly faced with an uncertain future.
“I woke up like any normal day and went to the doctor for a regular checkup, and my life changed drastically,” Melissa recalls. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. I didn’t know anything about CML. I didn’t know if I was going to live, if I was going to die, or how I was going to feed my family. It was a lot of ups and downs.”
Melissa underwent treatment with an oral chemotherapy medication for nine years before going into remission.
Though the battle with cancer was long and difficult, Melissa found strength in the unwavering support of her family and friends, especially Amber. A year and a half ago, Amber reached out with a simple, but powerful message: “I’m going to run for you in a race.” Melissa was deeply moved, as this was the first time someone had offered to participate in an event in her honor.
“Amber’s support means the world to me. She’s the first person who ever offered to do something like this for me, and it’s wonderful to know she’s running for me.”
As Amber prepared to run the Colors of Courage 5K, she knew it wasn’t just about completing the race; it was about supporting and honoring her best friend and showing her that she had never been alone in her journey.
“Seeing Amber cross that finish line was such an emotional moment for me,” Melissa says. “Her support means so much. It was an honor to present her with the Colors of Courage 5K Medal—it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.”
For Amber, running the race was a way to show Melissa that her battle with cancer was shared and that her fight wasn’t something she had to go through alone.
“I wanted to do something to honor her, to let her know that I’m always here for her,” Amber says.
The Colors of Courage 5K is more than just a race. It’s a celebration of life, friendship, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. As participants lace up their shoes and hit the pavement, they run for loved ones who have faced the struggles of cancer, for those who are still fighting and for the survivors who inspire others. For Melissa and Amber, the race was a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws their way, they’ll always have each other—and that, perhaps, is the greatest victory of all.
