LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Churchill Downs announced that submissions to take part in the 2023 Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade will open on Saturday, Jan. 21.

This year’s Survivors Parade will honor 149 Breast and Ovarian cancer survivors and fighters with tickets for the selected recipient and a guest to attend the 149th Longines Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 5, 2023, and include an unforgettable march on the historic track at Churchill Downs.

What You Need To Know

  • For the first time, the 2023 Survivors Parade participants will be chosen randomly rather than by public vote

  • Those who have overcome or are battling a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis who have never participated in the Oaks Survivors Parade are encouraged to submit their story

  • Selected participants will be notified on Saturday, Feb. 25

  • In addition to a call for submissions, fans are encouraged to join the effort to raise money to support breast and ovarian health by donating to the Kentucky Oaks charitable partners

Those who have overcome or are battling a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis who have never participated in the Oaks Survivors Parade are encouraged to submit their story online between Jan. 21 and Feb. 22, 2023. If you would like to nominate someone for consideration, organizers encourage you to share the link directly with that person.

For the first time, the 2023 Survivors Parade participants will be chosen randomly rather than by public vote to optimize equal opportunity and consideration.

This year’s submission process will be the first open to the public in two years since the Survivors Parade was held in a virtual format for 2020 and 2021 in adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols. Last year, the survivors selected in 2020 were enthusiastically welcomed to Churchill Downs for a long awaited tribute.

For the 15th Survivors Parade, Churchill Downs will feature and support Derby Divas through the Norton Cancer Institute Breast Health Program and Horses and Hope through Kentucky Cancer Program. Both organizations provide critical services that help deliver care to underserved women across the region, including those on the backside of racetracks across the state, who lack access to breast health screenings and services.

The Kentucky Oaks charitable initiative has raised approximately $1 million to drive breast and ovarian health awareness and life-saving interventions over the past 14 years. 

Selected participants will be notified on Saturday, Feb. 25.

In addition to a call for submissions, fans are encouraged to join the effort to raise money to support breast and ovarian health by donating to the Kentucky Oaks charitable partners at this website.

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