By Alexander Dworkowitz
More than 4,700 people walked a five-mile course Sunday in the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk-a-thon in Kew Gardens.
The walkers raised $365,000 for the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research, patient services, education and advocacy programs. The Queens walk was one of 18 events in New York City Sunday in which more than 100,000 walkers raised more than $8.5 million.
In front of Queens Borough Hall, participants seemed hardly able to wait for the event’s 11 a.m. kickoff, cheering eagerly at the starting line.
“It’s mostly a celebration,” said Sara Eguren, a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society. Despite the fervor at the event, Eguren later said the attendance “was less than what was expected.”
“It’s great to see all the people,” said Rose Marie Mahan, 46, of Jamaica, a nurse and a survivor of breast cancer. “Many people need to be aware that breast cancer can be cured.”
“I’m glad to have the strength to do it,” said Rose Houck, 55, of Glendale, also a breast cancer survivor. “The walk, the people, the support — it’s strengthening.”
Eguren emphasized the need to spread awareness of breast cancer. “A low-cost or no-cost mammogram is available to all women age 50 and over,” she said. A mammogram is a procedure used to detect breast cancer.
Eguren also said it was important for immigrant groups to monitor breast cancer, noting that the rate of breast cancer increases as immigrant women adopt American dietary habits.
Reach Reporter Alexander Dworkowitz by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 141.
