Thousands of walkers packed the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday morning for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, a fundraiser and community celebration supporting breast cancer patients, survivors and their families.
Organizers expected about 10,000 participants this year, with hopes of raising more than $600,000 for the American Cancer Society. Last year’s walk brought in $500,000 in a single day.
KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell, a breast cancer survivor, returned as an emcee. She was diagnosed 14 years ago and said the event is a reminder of the progress made in cancer treatment.
“Every time I come out and talk to people and they tell me about their treatments, I’m amazed,” Mitchell said. “For every diagnosis now, there is a specific treatment. It is just amazing.”
Mitchell said donations raised at the walk fund crucial research that improves and personalizes care.
“This money is going for such important research,” she said. “To make treatments better, to make treatments more effective. That’s why we’re here.”
Community and support at the center
Making Strides events have taken place nationwide for more than 30 years. Beyond raising funds, Mitchell said the walk helps fighters, survivors and supporters feel less alone.
“When you hear the words ‘I have cancer,’ you feel suddenly very alone,” she said. “This is about community. This is the one day where everybody comes together for this incredible cause.”
She encouraged those who can’t join in person to spread awareness and prioritize screenings, which remain the most effective tool for early detection.
“Mammograms are uncomfortable, but you’ve got to do it,” Mitchell said. “Urge people to get their mammograms and make sure they’re seeing their doctor.”
Survivors leading the way
Among those walking was Tracie Kimbrough, an ambassador with ACS Voices, a long-term American Cancer Society study aiming to enroll 100,000 Black women nationwide to better understand cancer risks, treatment and outcomes.
Kimbrough, a 16-year breast cancer survivor, began volunteering after both she and her sister were diagnosed.
“It makes you feel so strong and so empowered and just like you’re making a difference,” she said. “It’s very important to me that I do what I can to make sure this generational issue is broken.”
ACSCAN is encouraging people to register for screenings, volunteer, sponsor a future walk or donate to research. Even simply offering transportation to someone in treatment can make a difference, Mitchell noted.
“There is so much support, and there is so much to be done still,” she said.
More information about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events, volunteering and cancer screening resources is available at cancer.org.
The post Thousands take to Santa Monica for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk appeared first on KTLA.
