Breast cancer walk reaches milestone

By Mashaun D. Simon

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thousands showed up Saturday morning to show their support for the American Cancer Society’s 11th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Enlarge photo

Courtesy of Chris Hamilton More than 16,000 gathered at Atlantic Station in Atlanta for the American Cancer Society’s 11th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

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About 16,000 people participated, making it the largest crowd to take part to date in Atlanta. Thanks to the higher than usual turn out this morning, the American Cancer Society raised $1.1 million, said Elissa McCrary, communications director.

“That is 4,000 more participants than last year. The largest we have ever had,” said McCrary. “This year the disease seems to be really rallying the community.”

The walkers made the three-mile trek out of Atlantic Station, across the 17th Street Bridge and looped back to the starting point, said McCrary.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second largest cancer killer of women after lung cancer.

“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is Atlanta’s community event to take positive steps to stamp out breast cancer,” said Audra Wallace, the Society’s Making Strides manager in Atlanta. “We thank Atlanta for coming out in force this year and for doing their part.”