Thousands make strides against breast cancer

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Waves of pink washed over Jones Beach State Park last Sunday during Making Strides of Long Island — a walk designed to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor those who have died and raise money for the American Cancer Society.

More than 60,000 people came down to the park, in Wantagh, to remember loved ones, connect with survivors and help educate others on the diverse needs of the breast cancer community. Before the Herald went to press on Monday, American Cancer Society officials reported on their website that participants raised more than $1.3 million this year. 

Making Strides isn’t simply a 5K, however, as walkers and runners visited booths like the survivor tent and another focused on early detection awareness. Denise Galgano, a 28-year-old Port Jefferson resident and breast cancer survivor, volunteered at one of the stations. 

After receiving her diagnosis when she was 27 years old, Galgano underwent a double mastectomy, reconstruction and chemotherapy. “It was a whirlwind and I felt like I was the youngest person that I had ever heard of that had cancer,” she said. “Now, I know that I’m not.”

Galgano, who is a professional hairdresser, helps fit and cut wigs for the American Cancer Society, which offers them to cancer patients. “I like to make people feel beautiful,” she said. “You don’t realize how important the support is until you truly need it.”

Galgano described volunteering at Making Strides as both emotional and rewarding. Katie Goepfrich, a communications manager for the American Cancer Society, noted that although she said that she’s heard so many stories about lost loves ones that have brought tears to her eyes since she started donating her time at the walk 15 years ago, Making Strides is meant to be an upbeat event. There was plenty of live music on the boardwalk, where participants also found photo booths. Walkers also came dressed in pink feathers and glitter, while others wore T-shirts with their loved ones’ names written across the front or back. 

Funds raised at and for the charity walk will allow the American Cancer Society to advance research and public policy to improve the availability of new and better treatments and fuel the discovery of a cure for breast cancer, according to the group. Many walkers were on fundraising teams, collaborating with friends and family members to collect money for the charity in honor of a loved one. 

Many student and community groups from Wantagh-Seaford participated in the event, including Team Seaman Neck Striders, the Wantagh Kiwanis Club and high school key clubs. Team OCLI and Team Jodi’s Journey were the top fundraisers, gathering a combined $59,000 for the cause. 

To find out more about the cause, donate and/or attend future fundraisers, visit www.Makingstrides.acsevents.org.