More than $300k raised as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk makes return

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) – The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Rochester Walk returned to its roots Sunday, and get people back out and walking for the cause.
Sunday’s event was held at Frontier Field, and guided about 6,500 people on a path along Plymouth Avenue down West Main Street. The annual walk featured local breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and volunteers.

Organizers say they’re happy to be back as a group, last year’s event was under pandemic rules. For 20 years, Linda Cumbo of Rochester has been gearing up to support the event, but this year, she tells News10NBC, this was her first as a cancer survivor.

"It’s all what you make of it, you can lay down and let it take you, or you can stand up and fight and come to a walk, it’s a lot of fun,” Cumbo said.

This year there were 6,500 walkers. Everyone in fun costumes and outfits in the shade of pink. In the mix of survivors, were, those still fighting, caregivers and many other supporters. Cumbo had her best friend by her side.

"This woman right here got, breast cancer, COVID, and shingles all within three or six months of each other,” Mary Wiersma said.

“Ya, they tried to take me down last year, but I’m in this for the long haul, they won’t get me,” Cumbo added.

Last year, the pandemic created a different experience for walkers. It wasn’t canceled., but they had a donation drive-thru.

"We missed getting together as a giant group the energy is amazing, Linda unfailingly coordinated for our group and she didn’t slack off because of COVID, Wiersma said.

The American Cancer Society says there were still minor changes to the walk this year, like different start times to avoid large groups and masks were encouraged.

"Against all the odds this year with so many difficult situations with hospitals and what not, people are still persevering and fighting the fight every day, when you see a survivor or someone who was diagnosed two weeks ago embracing a survivor of 20 plus years, it’s incredible,” Chris Falzarano said, the Associate director of Development with the American Cancer Society.

Organizers say they raised $300,000 dollars. The money raised will go to the American Cancer Society to help fund innovative breast cancer research, promote education, risk reduction, and provide comprehensive patient support to those who need it the most
If you didn’t make it to the walk, but want to donate, you can learn how to here.