“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” raises over $335K for American Cancer Society

OCEAN CITY, Md. – The Ocean City Boardwalk was filled with a sea of pink on Saturday, Oct. 24th, as “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”, raised funds for the American Cancer Society, while uplifting survivors and those still battling, and honoring those who have passed.

Jill Elliott is the staff partner for the American Cancer Society, and emphasized the wide spread impact of those affected by breast cancer.

“Two in eight women are going to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.” Said Elliott. “So everyone is going to know someone, a woman in their life who’s going to deal with breast cancer, whether it be a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin. So it affects us all.”

Elliott also explained that the American Cancer Society relies 98% on donations. The walk was the culminating event for a month of fundraising for the organization, aiming to hit their set goal of $335,000.

“We have hit our goal.” Said Elliott.  “We’re actually over it. As of this morning, we’re at $338,000, which is absolutely amazing. But we don’t stop. Cancer doesn’t stop. We don’t stop. You can still make a donation until the end of December, and we are going to continue to grow that total because every dollar truly counts.”

Fundraising events like this aren’t only an opportunity to raise significant amounts, they also give survivors, thrivers, and pre-vivors an opportunity to celebrate their fight. For Jean Keagle, known affectionately as “Bean”, there were multiple reasons to celebrate on Saturday.

“I’ve been surviving for 25 years and today is my 70th birthday.” Said Keagle. “I have stage IV breast cancer, but I’m still here. Thanks to all these wonderful people making donations and doing research.”

For more information on the initiative, or to donate, visit their website.