With pink positivity, hundreds of men, women and children gathered at Riverside Park Saturday morning to take part in the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
More than 70 teams signed up to participate in this year’s walk, which was presented by Florida Cancer Specialists and Florida Healthcare Specialists. Even before the rosy-hued crowd took their first steps, organizers related that the $120,000 fundraising goal had been met. Of that, more than $30,000 was thanks to the fundraising efforts of the 17 prominent local men who had joined the Real Men Wear Pink campaign.
Walkers came dressed in every shade of pink imaginable, with many also accenting their outfits with superhero capes and angel wings to play off of the Hope Hero theme, throwing in pink tutus and even hot pink handlebar mustaches for good measure. As with all ACS events, survivors were celebrated and loved ones who lost their battle were remembered as walkers optimistically confirmed their resolve to put an end to the disease.
Millions of walkers nationwide participate in MSABC, the only American Cancer Society event where funds raised are specifically dedicated to help fight breast cancer through research, education, prevention and early detection, and to support comprehensive programs for patients and their families.