A vibrant sea of pink filled Riverside Park, transforming the field near the Grand Pavilion into a tableau of unity and hope during the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
Participants enthusiastically embraced the national 2025 theme: “We are the movement. We are the hope. We are the future.”
Survivors, caregivers, family members and friends gathered to celebrate recoveries and honor the memory of those who lost their battles to the devastating disease.
Spirits were high amidst the flock of plastic pink lawn flamingoes that had playfully taken over the vendor area, highlighting the purpose of the non-competitive walk, which was to raise funds for breast cancer research and patient support.
“It is truly inspiring to stand here in Riverside Park this morning surrounded by friends, family and neighbors, united for one purpose: to make strides against breast cancer,” said Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno, welcoming the crowd.
Cotugno noted that the MSABC walk, which began in 1993, brings communities together in hope, remembrance and determination.
“Today, Vero Beach joins thousands across the nation in this movement that has raised over $1 billion to fund research, patient care and vital support programs.”
In Florida alone, he said, more than 23,000 women will face a new breast cancer diagnosis this year.
“The outlook today is more hopeful than ever,” said Cotugno, adding that it is thanks to organizations such as the ACS and support from local communities.
The breast cancer death rate has declined by 43 percent since 1989, and the five-year survival rate for early detection is now 99 percent.
“This is not just a number. These are millions of mothers, daughters, sisters and friends who are still with us today. Each one is a testament of the power of research, early detection and community support,” said Cotugno, thanking all the volunteers, organizers, donors, advocates and walkers.
“This event is more than a fundraiser. It is a celebration of strength, perseverance and unity. When we walk together, we send a powerful message. No one fights alone. We walk for survivors, for those still in treatment, and those we have lost. We walk for the families who have stood by their loved ones with courage and faith.”
Before participants set off on the 5K route around Riverside Park, event chair and sponsor Dr. Monika Srivastava told everyone that the event had already met its $125,000 fundraising goal.
“I’m a physician who treats cancer every day. But today, like all of you, I’m here as a part of this community, walking toward a future without breast cancer,” said Srivastava.
“Early detection saves lives, research drives progress, and community gives strength. Every step we take fuels research, provides patient services, and spreads hope where it’s needed most,” she continued.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer awareness and funding movement. Over the past 30 years, it has enabled the American Cancer Society to invest more than $600 million in breast cancer research alone. Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $5 billion in all types of cancer research.
For more information, visit cancer.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
