Monday, November 10, 2025
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrates its 40th year, the American Cancer Society is once again rallying communities nationwide to take part in one of the country’s largest fundraising walks.
Thousands are expected to gather at Jones Beach State Park on Oct. 19 for the 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, to support breast cancer research and patient services. The nonprofit cancer society aims to end cancer through advocacy, research and support programs that help patients and families prevent, detect and survive the disease.
Natale Raimo, executive director of the organization’s Long Island region, said that in 2025, more than 319,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed nationwide, including more than 19,000 in New York. That’s why events such as the Strides Walk are so important for raising awareness, she added.
“It’s a very supportive environment for our breast cancer survivors and our metastatic breast cancer survivors, caregivers and families alike,” Raimo said. “We’re really excited to be hosting it and interweaving this huge 40th anniversary Breast Cancer Awareness mile marker within our Making Strides event.”
When the cancer society first designated October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the goal was to encourage early detection through mammograms, Raimo explained. Over time, the campaign has grown to include fundraising for research, public education on prevention, advocacy for better access to care, and support for those affected by the disease.
According to Raimo, the Jones Beach walk has become the biggest walk in the country. Last year’s event drew roughly 77,000 participants and raised around $2.4 million. The event, she said, attracts community groups, corporations, friends and family members to help raise awareness.
“It’s a really special day when you see all of those interactions taking place, where you see families interacting with each other, but also our community and corporate partners, too,” Raimo said.
Among this year’s participants is Mairead Ryan, a 27-year-old Bellmore resident and a breast cancer survivor. She will walk with Team Mairead, a group of more than 150 friends and family members. As of press time, her team had raised over $30,000. Ryan described having her support group around her — and seeing so many others taking part in the event — as a “humbling” experience.
“I’m probably most looking forward to seeing everyone come together and unify for one common goal,” Ryan said, “and that goal is to end cancer, as we know it, for everyone.”
Last year, Ryan was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Her condition will require ongoing treatment for the rest of her life, she said, including regular medication and infusions. This is Ryan’s second cancer battle: She overcame Ewing sarcoma at age 8.
Ryan also served as the survivor speaker at the Strides Walk kickoff at the Melville Marriott on Aug. 7. She spoke about the courage needed to face treatment and the importance of raising money to support others battling cancer.
“Courage is something that’s kind of resonated with me since my journey,” Ryan said. “So that’s what I kind of wanted other people to know.”
At the kickoff event, Ryan received the second annual Stacey Sager Courage award, named after a WABC-TV “Eyewitness News” reporter who overcame three battles with cancer throughout her life. Sager was presented the inaugural award last year for her strength and her determination to share her story with others affected by cancer.
Ryan said she wants people to understand that cancer can come for anybody, no matter their age or background. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” she said, “and I think that’s something that’s super important to realize. You’re not too young for it; you’re not too old for it. It can hit you at any point in your life.”
Over the past 30 years, Raimo said, the cancer society has raised more than $600 million for breast cancer research. It also supports programs such as Hope Lodge, a network of facilities that provide free lodging for patients undergoing treatment. There are currently 31 Hope Lodge locations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, offering a total of 1,100 rooms.
Raimo encouraged both women and men to prioritize early detection by scheduling regular mammograms. She added that the cancer society has played a key role in advancing research and treatments that save lives — and that early detection remains essential.
For Raimo, witnessing participants come together at the Strides Walk — whether they’re survivors, patients or supporting loved ones — is a truly heartwarming experience.
“It’s always incredible when you see hundreds upon thousands of people coming together, because we all want the same thing,” she said, “We want to end cancer as we know it, for everybody.”
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, presented by Teachers Federal Credit Union, will take place on Oct. 19 with a rolling start from 7 to 10:30 a.m. For details or to donate, visit ACSEvents.org.
