A wave of pink flooded Riverside Park last Saturday morning as hundreds of folks gathered to take a huge stride forward in the fight against breast cancer during the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, presented by Seacoast Bank.
In a rainbow of pink from pale piggy to brilliant fuchsia, more than 400 participants comprising 74 teams participated in this year’s walk to raise awareness and funds to help save lives.
More than one million passionate, pink participants walk together in unity nationwide to make a difference each year. Proceeds from these events fund research, education and support. According to ACS data, more than 266,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and of those nearly 41,000 will lose their battle.
In celebration of survivors and in remembrance of those who have lost the valiant fight, participants, cancer survivors and caregivers gathered for an inspiring opening ceremony, where pacesetters, survivors and Real Men Wear Pink participants were recognized.
Much to the amusement of the crowd Dan Chappell, currently the top Real Men Wear Pink fundraiser, had challenged Seacoast Bank to raise $20,000. They did, and Chappell took a pie to the face as his just desserts.
Longtime breast cancer advocate Dr. Nancy Baker received the 2018 Power of Pink Award and reminded attendees that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate.
“This is lovely to see so many people here in a sea of pink. This is very close to my heart. My dad had breast cancer. People forget that men can get breast cancer,” said Baker. This year an estimated 2,500 men will receive that diagnosis; with a 20 percent fatality, according to ACS data.
“Today we take action by raising the critical dollars that will allow the American Cancer Society to invest in breast cancer research and provide free information and support for those facing the disease today,” said breast cancer survivor and 2018 MSABC event lead Laura McGarry, thanking participants for their support. “You are making a difference!”
McGarry explained that last year ACS nationwide handled more than 1.3 million calls and live chats from individuals with questions and concerns about cancer and is granting $62 million for breast cancer research.
“We’re helping doctors understand more about how to prevent breast cancer, detect it early and more effectively treat the disease,” said McGarry. “The American Cancer Society is only able to do this because of walks like this.”
The festivities also included the announcement that the Florida Eye team won the T-shirt design contest. Raffle prizes were awarded, attendees visited the Wall of Hope and sat in a giant pink chair, as children blew bubbles, colored and threw their hips into Hula Hooping with youthful abandon, and the Good Life Fitness Studio dancers, aided by the Vero Beach High School cheerleaders, warmed up the crowd before they commenced with the rose-hued stroll.
To date, the Indian River walk has raised nearly $71,000 of its $120,000 goal. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2018 toward this year’s campaign, according to Jenny Davis, MSABC community development manager.
To make a donation or for more information, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/indianriverfl or Cancer.org.
Photos by: Denise Ritchie
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