The 9.23 Community Center at Christ Church Vero Beach was awash with the blush of rose-colored hope last Tuesday evening at the 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff party. Cancer survivors, teams and individual walkers, businesses and other supportive organizations enjoyed a fun-filled evening as they geared up for the MSABC walk to benefit the American Cancer Society. This year’s walk, 9 a.m. Oct. 13 at Riverside Park, is presented by Seacoast Bank, with event leader Laura McGarry.

After catching up and enjoying a buffet catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, the pink-hued group gathered for a motivational session on how best to optimize their efforts to support the ACS goal of eradicating breast cancer. The evening was chock-full of fundraising tips, team-building activities and even a rousing game of MSABC bingo, where attendees learned more about the dreaded disease.

The American Cancer Society estimates that of the roughly 268,670 men and women likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, as many as 41,400 will succumb to it.

With those daunting statistics in mind, emcees Scott Tripp and Chelsea Rose of 93.7 WGYL punched up the energy level, reminding participants and survivors that “what unites us, ignites us.”

Cancer survivors were acknowledged for their strength and courage, each given a pink rose and a survivor sash.

“Survivors are the heart of our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, and the reason why we continue to do what we do at the American Cancer Society,” said Rose.

“We see today these individuals that have overcome the thorns to be like gorgeous pink roses, a beautiful reminder of life and grace,” added Tripp, noting that roses are a symbol of love, beauty and strength, and that the newly diagnosed feel the sting of its thorns.

Breast cancer survivor Elizabeth April shared the story of her own struggles as a three-time survivor, recounting her initial hesitation to share the diagnosis with others. It wasn’t until a 1999 MSABC walk that she admitted for the first time publicly that she was a breast cancer survivor.

April said the ACS played a significant role in her survival through its support of research that led to the development of Herceptin, a targeted chemotherapy that she received for 13 years after her third breast cancer diagnosis.

“The victory of this drug is my victory. It has the potential to be the victory for millions more,” said April. “For those of you living with cancer – keep on forging forward.”

A prominent group of local gentlemen will again dedicate their time as Real Men Wear Pink participants over the next several months, in an effort to raise additional awareness and funds toward research and services.

Victor Basile, Ralph Carter, Dan Chappell, Bill Conti, Bob DelVecchio, Alan Dritenbas, Mark Heyer, Mayor Harry Howle, Dr. Theodore Perry, Dr. Jason Radecke, Dr. Nicholas Rutledge, Harold Schwartz, Dr. Raul Storey, Capt. Milo Thornton, Andrew Trilla and William Watkins will be donning fuchsia, coral, roseate and rose to support the women in their lives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Last year close to 2,500 Indian River County MSABC participants strode their way around the park, raising $120,000 to help fund the ACS mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Funding supports cancer research, patient support, prevention and education, as well as breast cancer detection and treatment.

For more information call 772-562-2272 or visit MakingStridesWalk.org/indianriverfl or Making StridesWalk.org/realmenindianrivercofl.