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Making Strides of Gainesville hosts breast cancer awareness walk

Fitz Koehler (left) announces that Lamia Elmahdawy’s team raised over $20,000 toward breast cancer research. (Amy Galo/WUFT News)
Fitz Koehler (left) announces that Lamia Elmahdawy’s team raised over $20,000 toward breast cancer research. (Amy Galo/WUFT News)

On Saturday, community members have the opportunity to walk and support breast cancer awareness at Celebration Pointe.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Gainesville, which is affiliated with the American Cancer Society, is hosting a free walk to raise awareness and support breast cancer patients and survivors. Opening ceremonies will begin at 8 a.m., and the walk kicks off at 9 a.m. Last year,the event raised over $100,000.

At the event, participants can choose between a 1K or 5k distance walk.

According the the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women apart from skin cancers. It is estimated that over 290,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer was created with a goal of uniting communities and ending breast cancer.

Attendees have the opportunity to dedicate a tribute or honor a loved one with breast cancer at the event's "Wall of Hope." The event also features a "Pink Out Zone" where participants can get "Pink'd" with beads, tattoos, hair spray, pinwheels and more.

Breast cancer survivors who attend the event have the option to pick up a survivor sash and bag outside of The Keys Grill & Piano Bar.

Event organizers expect about 2,000 participants, and there is no RSVP needed. The event is family-friendly.

For more information, visit the event website or call toll-free 1-800-227-2345.

 

Grace is a reporter for WUFT News who can be reached by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.