Almost 2,000 Participate in Sarasota-Manatee Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

SARASOTA, Fla. - Oct. 20, 2014 - PRLog -- Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, was proud to host more than 1,700 participants, making up almost 200 teams, in the Sarasota-Manatee 15^th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk. The event took place at the Sarasota Polo Club on Saturday, October 18, 2014. The event raised $172,289.00 to help the American Cancer Society provide free resources and support to the one in two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. “We must conquer this disease so that women and men stop suffering and losing the fight,” says Vanessa Baugh, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer board member and Manatee County Commissioner, District 5. “It doesn't only affect the individual but their family and friends.”

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness Walk has changed the face of breast cancer in communities nationwide by funding cutting-edge research, advocating for all women to have access to mammograms and treatments, and providing free local education programs and support services. The noncompetitive walk united the entire community to honor breast cancer survivors, educate people about how to reduce their breast cancer risk or find the disease early and raise funds to end breast cancer. Teams showed off their passion with decorated bras and costumes as they took on the 5k (3.1 miles) course. “We have gained some ground in research and programming efforts but we still have a long way to go to finish the fight,” states Baugh.

About Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities to finish the fight. The annual Breast Cancer Walk is their Signature Fundraising Event. Every breast cancer walk and event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to honor those who have battled breast cancer, raise awareness about what our communities can do to reduce the breast cancer risk and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them. Thanks to this support there has been a 30% decline in breast cancer diagnoses since 1979.

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