By TaraMarie Liscoe, Staff Writer
On a sunny, comfortably chill Oct. 16, several University organizations came together to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach. The shirts of the research supporters created a sea of pink that could be seen for miles. It was a 5 kilometer walk that traveled alongside the boardwalk and allowed for a calming view of the crashing waves. Participants could choose to start between the hours of 8-11 a.m.
Many organizations from around Long Island including many from the University ventured out in the early morning hours to begin their walk along the boardwalk. Participants came out for many reasons and some just to show support.
“My sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, was able to raise and donate a little over $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Awareness Society,” said Jeanmarie Doherty, junior Italian/Spanish and Education major at Hofstra University. “We sold pink hair extensions and it was a big success. We also participated in the Making Strides walk on Sunday. It was nice to see everyone come together to support such an important cause.”
According to the American Cancer Society, since 1993 nearly 7 million walkers have raised more than $400 million. In 2010 alone, nearly 800,000 walkers across the country collected more than $60 million. There are more than 200 Making Strides walks nationwide each year.
“I have walked many 5Ks in the past, including this walk at Jones Beach last year,” said Jessica Morris, junior accounting major at SUNY Old Westbury. “I usually just do them to support whichever cause they are for, but this year the cause was near and dear to my boss’ heart. Her mother recently passed away in December from breast cancer, and she felt extra motivated to walk this year. Since my co-worker and I walked with her last year, we were there for the support this year as well.”
It was easy to observe how dedicated many participants were to the cause just by listening to the chants arising from the crowd and seeing emotional exchanges between loved ones. There were people dressed in all pink, people dressed as pink gorillas, and people in full-body pink spandex. Many people also displayed pink strands of hair in support.
It is important to realize that every little penny counts when it comes to donations for causes such as the Making Strides walks. They add up in the end and any donation can help a patient who is struggling. This year, Long Island came together to raise $1,551,890.71 to help save lives.
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, a 5k walk, raised $1.551,890.71 at Jones Beach. Pariticipants included Hofstra Greek Life and sports teams, with Long Island organizations on the south shore boardwalk. (Maria Pecoraro/The Chronicle)
