On October 13, participants of the Making Strides against Breast Cancer event walked 3.1 miles in Mount Airy, Md to spread breast cancer awareness and inspire others to donate to finding a cure. Their goal was to raise $115,000 for the American Cancer Society.
This year’s walk for breast cancer attracted many people from the community to join. The organizer of the event, Beth Garbolino, felt that this year gained more participants than it has in many years.
“This event has not been this large since year one,” said Garbolino. “We have over 550 registered but the mayor thinks there is close to 900 people here today.”
The walk was sponsored by multiple companies, including Walmart and Zeta Tau Alpha. They were few of the many who made donating contributions to the cause.
Multiple students from Linganore High School (LHS) also participated in the event as a team to show support for breast cancer awareness.
LHS junior Hannah Moore expressed that she thinks it is important to participate in these kinds of events to advocate for people fighting breast cancer.
“It’s really important to be here, and a lot of my friends are [walking in the Making Strides against Breast Cancer],” Moore said. “It’s my first year doing it so it’s exciting. We’re definitely hoping to get pictures to post to spread awareness about it and increase participation for it next year.”
Since breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, besides skin cancer, many people may personally know someone who has battled breast cancer. This connection has inspired multiple community members to join the walk.
LHS junior Alex Pietanza shared that one of her teacher’s struggle with breast cancer inspired her to join.
“My English teacher in freshman year fought breast cancer, and she is a really nice woman, so I am here to spread awareness for it [breast cancer],” said Pietanza.
Garbolino explained that the people she has met have also personally inspired her to continue to organize the event each year.
“I’ve been with ACS [American Cancer Society] for 18 and a half years, so I’ve met so many volunteers,” said Garbolino. “I’ve met so many people that have just been such an inspiration to keep doing this event over and over again.”
Although some people may not know anyone who has battled breast cancer, they can still feel encouraged to be involved.
“I don’t know anyone personally with breast cancer, but I know that it is a really big issue that’s important to spread awareness and raise money for,” said Moore.
Around 20 to 30 students from Linganore participated in the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk, and they all made it to the finish line. Members from the Key Club, LHS Class of 2026 council and other students were there to represent the school.
You can donate to the American Cancer Society fundraiser for breast cancer at the Making Strides website which is taking donations through December.
