The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk drew about 10,000 survivors, caregivers, families and supporters to LoanDepot Park on Saturday morning, Oct. 24. The event raised more than $800,000.
That total comes on top of the roughly $700,000 raised at the Sunrise walk at Amerant Bank Arena on Oct. 17, bringing the combined amount to more than $1.5 million, according to the organization.
Dan Chappell of the American Cancer Society Florida Board called the walk one of the group’s premier fundraising events. Money raised goes toward research, patient advocacy and support services, including free transportation and lodging during treatment.
Channel 7 and Channel 18 foundations sponsor the walk. 7 News anchors Alex de Armas and Tavares Jones emceed the event.
Supporters said the fundraising comes at a critical time. An estimated 24,700 new breast cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in Florida this year. Starr Mautner, a breast surgical oncologist, said events like the walk help bring awareness and support to patients.
Erica Massard Galicia, chairwoman of Making Strides for the American Cancer Society, said she has turned her own cancer experience into something that helps others.
