On Oct. 14, more than 700 walkers trekked though a rain-dampened Damariscotta to raise money for research to help prevent breast cancer in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Over $85,000 was raised in this single event, one of 270 nationwide, through donations and pledges.
According to American Cancer Society representative Crystal Derocher, the total will be higher when all the pledges are collected. Proceeds from the three-mile walk will support The American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research, education and patient services programs.
Teams of walkers united in support of the cause in memory of those lost to the disease and in celebration of survivors.
The 75 survivors who joined in the walk were presented gold medals on pink ribbons.
Five-year survivor Paula Masarven, a visitor from Haverhill, Mass., was impressed with the diversity among the walkers.
“I really love seeing all the people who brought the whole family, right down to the dog,” she said. “As a dog person myself, I know that my dog saw me through a lot during treatment and understood a lot more than people knew. I could confide in my little pal when I felt like complaining, and no one had to know. It’s also great to see so many men and boys walking today. It just warms my heart.”
Dozens of groups participated, often with survivors and with those undergoing treatment now, in their ranks.
Since the first walk 20 years ago nearly 8 million walkers have raised more than $500 million to help fight breast cancer through participating in the noncompetitive, 3- to 5-mile events nationwide.
In 2011 alone, nearly 900,000 walkers across the country collected more than $75 million for the cause.
After the walk, refreshments were served at a reception held in the parking lot of The First on Main Street, Damariscotta to live music played by Eddie and The Skidders.
