Long Island’s leading breast cancer walk, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, will be held on two dates and at two locations, starting on Sunday, Oct. 15, at Jones Beach State Park, 1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, and on Sunday, Oct. 22, at Suffolk County Community College Eastern Campus, 121 Speonk Riverhead Rd, Riverhead.
“With an estimated 70,000 participants at Jones Beach and several thousand more on the East End, Long Island hosts the largest attended event in the country,” said Patti Lestrange Mack, American Cancer Society Communications director.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a noncompetitive, inspirational event that raises awareness and funds to end breast cancer and provide hope to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone. Individuals, companies, friends and neighbors can register to walk and fundraise by calling 631-300-3455, via email at LongIslandNYStrides@cancer.org or online at www.makingstrideswalk.org/longisland or www.makingstrideswalk/easternlongisland. There is no fee to register, though contributions and donations are greatly appreciated.
“The American Cancer Society Making Strides walk supports the fight against the second leading cause of cancer death in women,” says Patti Lestrange Mack, communications director for the American Cancer Society. “An estimated 252,710 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,610 will die from the disease this year.”
Funds raised through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk enables the American Cancer Society to invest in groundbreaking research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.
“Because of the determination of Making Strides supporters, the American Cancer Society is there for people in every town affected by breast cancer, whether they’re currently dealing with a diagnosis, may face one in the future, or will avoid it altogether because of education and risk reduction,” said Katie Goepfrich of the American Cancer Society. “At the event, communities embrace a bittersweet mix of purpose—celebrating survivorship and paying meaningful tributes to loved ones lost. From research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery, we provide support to everyone impacted by breast cancer.”
Last year, an estimated 70,000 walkers from across Nassau and Suffolk county raised over $3 million dollars. Since 1993, more than 12 million supporters have raised more than $750 million in nearly 300 communities nationwide.
For additional details, sponsorship opportunities, to form a team, register to walk or volunteer, please visit makingstrideswalk.org or call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.