Walkers Raise $467,000 In Annual Breast Cancer Walk

WESTPORT –– More than 3,800 walkers joined together to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer by participating in the American Cancer Society’s tenth annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. The five-mile walk at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport was one of 19 held throughout New England.

 This year, Making Strides walkers raised $467,000 in pledges –– $160,000 more than last year. Funds raised will support the American Cancer Society’s programs of breast cancer research, advocacy, education and support programs for breast cancer patients and their families in Connecticut.

“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer gives everyone –– young, old, men, women, and children –– an opportunity to raise money to fight this disease,” said Michelle Wolf, area director of cancer control for the American Cancer Society.

 “Over the past ten years, we have made great strides in understanding breast cancer but much remains to be done to advance prevention, early detection, and effective treatment,” she said. “Too many of us have lost loved ones to breast cancer to ever stop trying as hard as we can, for as long as we have to. This is what keeps American Cancer Society employees and volunteers fighting for a cure.”

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women. It will strike 211,300 this year, including 2,600 in Connecticut alone. Five hundred Connecticut women will die of breast cancer this year.

Flagship sponsors for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk were Gillette, Lorad – A Hologic Company, Purdue Pharma, and United States Surgical. Media sponsors were News 12 and KOOL 96.7 FM. Additionally, hundreds of teams from businesses, schools, and community groups from Fairfield and Litchfield counties participated.

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer and other cancers, call the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345.