The Esplanade was a sea of pink, as more than a thousand Bostonians gathered to help raise money for breast cancer research at the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday.
The walk, organized by Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Boston, raised $1,474,797.97 for breast cancer research.
Lasting throughout the afternoon, volunteers along the path handed out snack bags, water and plenty of encouragement to those walking, and supporters came out to stand along the sidelines to cheer on walkers with pink pompoms and enthusiasm.
Boston University’s School of Public Health created a team of about 15 students who walked to support the cause and completed the five-mile walk that started and ended at the Hatch Shell.
The group’s goal was to raise $1,000 for the walk to support breast cancer, which they surpassed with some donors giving as much as $100 to the participants.
One of the members of the SPH team, Michelle Vickery, an SPH graduate student, said she felt enthusiastic about walking to end cancer.
“I am motivated to walk for people’s courageous fights against Breast Cancer,” Vickery said. “There are so many people who have come out alive but are left with permanent scars on the inside and the outside.”
Many BUSPH team members said they knew someone who battled with breast cancer at some point in their life.
Hanna Klein, a College of Communication freshman and member of the BUSPH team, said that her family has a history of breast cancer and that she would not be surprised if she became diagnosed with the disease someday.
“Both my grandmothers struggled with and survived breast cancer,” Klein said. “My motivation comes from the strength both grandmothers had while battling breast cancer.”
The walk was a celebration of life, Klein and Vickery said.
“I realize that these women who have lost their battle should be honored, and those who have won should be celebrated,” Vickery said.
Julie Moreau and SPH graduate student Chonel LaPorte made contributions of over $200 each, which topped the amount of individual money raised toward the team’s goal of $1,000.
Klein, who donated over $50 herself as a part of the BUSPH team, said it is important to support the cause.
“Walking is only half of it,” she said. “Donating money to help fund research is also really important. I’m proud that we walked.”
Vickery said she agreed.
“It always feels like a recognition of the lives that have been touched by this, and those who have been affected,” she added. “I also realize that these women who have lost their battle should be honored, and those who have won should be celebrated.”
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