Clouds were overhead but the outlook was sunny Saturday morning for nearly 1,000 walkers who turned out for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) walk. The event, sponsored and held at the Sebastian River Medical Center, was chaired by Annie Grace Foster. Prior to Saturday, teams had already raised $70,000 and with many turning in their contributions after the event, that number was expected to increase.
For most of the participants, the walk had a personal meaning. Some walked to honor family and friends, others walked in defiance of the disease as cancer survivors, but all walked to put an end to the words, “you have breast cancer.” Cancer survivors were honored guests at the event, and led fellow walkers under a pink and white balloon arch to begin the walk.
As she has been for the last few years, Moorings resident Marilyn Kolar, was once again the top individual fundraiser. Kolar, a breast cancer survivor who also captains the Moorings Lifesavers team, does must of her fundraising with a little techno help – raising the funds on-line. Moorings Lifesavers was the number two fundraising team.
The top fundraising team was Vero Beach Veterans with team member Liz Rich raising double that of last year to become the second individual fundraiser. Liz Melnick was the top rookie fundraiser. Other leading individual fundraisers were Lillie Holt, of the Alpha Kappa Alpha team and Leah Muller of the Seaside Striders. Other leading teams were Terri Schmalfus’ Friends Fighting for Friends team and Sam’s Club.
The idea for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer was first conceptualized in Massachusetts in 1984. Since then, millions of walkers nationwide have participated in the annual fundraiser, raising more than $340 million in the fight against breast cancer. MSABC is specifically dedicated to help fight breast cancer through research, prevention, early detection, and support programs for patients and their families.
Additional sponsors included Perkins Medical Supply, HealthSouth Treasure Coast Rehabilitation Hospital, Dr. Edward Murphy, the Rosato Plastic Surgery center, Sassy Boutique, Dr. Michaela Scott, Vero Radiology Associates, Windsor Properties, Robert & Sandy Brackett, Dr. William Frazier, Panera Bread, Pepsi-Bottling Group, SprintHill Suites by Marriott and Starbucks. Media sponsors were CBS News, Comcast Cable and the Talking Phone Book. {igallery 55}