The biggest breast cancer event in the borough is quickly approaching.
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Bronx Walk will take place at 8 a.m., Sunday, October 19 at Orchard Beach.
The three-mile walk raises money for American Cancer Society programs targetting patients with breast cancer, said Lizzette Dorado, director of the Bronx Walk, and the experience is positive for everyone involved.
“We invite everyone to come out and walk with their friends and family,” said Dorado.
There is no registration fee or minimum donation, said Dorado, and they rely on people’s good faith to help raise money.
The organization is making it easier to participate in the walk this year for those relying on public transportation, she said, and will be running shuttles from the end of the IRT 6 line at the Pelham Bay Park station to Orchard Beach before the walk and back afterward.
Also new this year is a surprise concert at the event by a freestyle artist, whose identity will be kept secret until the performance, said Dorado.
In addition to the walk, the event also features face painting, refreshments and other entertainment, creating a very festive atmosphere, she said.
The Bronx walk is unique in that it’s the only NYC breast cancer walk that takes place on a beach, said Dorado. She said the Bronx walk is especially vibrant, and is one of the most uplifting walks she’s attended.
“I’ve been to many walks, but what makes the Bronx walk so special is the community pride Bronxites have and the passion for helping their neighbors,” said Dorado “It’s incomparable to any other walk I’ve been to.”
Last year, about 10,000 people attended the walk and raised a collected $560,000 dollars, but Dorado has set her goals higher this year.
“We want more people to come out and we want to raise more money in order to help more people,” she said.
The money raised at the October walks support American Cancer Society programs throughout the year, said Dorado. Some of those services include the organization’s 24/7 information help line, 1-800-227-2345, which answered 50,000 calls last year; providing 2,6000 wigs to New York State residents last year; giving 6,800 free rides to and from cancer treatment; and making 705 visits to patients by Reach to Recovery volunteers.
You can learn more about the walk or sign up to participate as an individual or in a team by calling 718-547-5064 ext. 65238, visiting www.makingstrideswalk.org/bronx, or register at the event.
