Wantagh makes strides against breast cancer

Members of the Wantagh community came out to the event to support breast cancer survivors. From left, Victoria Walsh, Miss Wantagh Samantha Walsh, Rita Nolan and Aileen Campbell stood by the start line at Field 5.

Courtesy Heidi Felix

The Wantagh High School Key Club attended the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk at Jones Beach State Park on Oct. 15.

Courtesy Heidi Felix

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Waves of pink washed over Jones Beach State Park last Sunday. Nearly 60,000 residents took part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Field 5.

Participants from various Long Island communities ventured out to the 5K walk to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor those who have died and help raise money for the American Cancer Society. 

According to the group, an estimated 252,710 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 40,610 will die this year.

Patrice Lestrange-Mack, an American Cancer Society spokeswoman, said the organization encourages participants to come to the park in Wantagh every October to remember loved ones, connect with survivors and help educate others about the diverse needs of the breast cancer community. 

Civic and school district groups, including the Wantagh High School Club, attended the charity event to raise awareness for the disease. Students from the 300-member organization sported different shades of pink and walked the 3-mile course on the boardwalk to support friends and family.

“October is a month dedicated to raising awareness for many illnesses affecting our community,” said Heidi Felix, Kiwanis adviser to the Wantagh High School Key Club. “All of us have lost friends to breast cancer and we hope one day researchers find a cure for it. Until then, we will continue to make strides with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness that early detection is the key to fighting all cancers.”

The fundraising event garnered over $1,000,000 for breast cancer research, which will help the American Cancer Society advance public policy in order to make new and better treatments available and fuel the discovery of a cure for breast cancer. 

Walkers and runners also had the chance to visit booths like the survivor tent, participate in Zumba classes and attend seminars focused on early detection awareness. Information, including research for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis, free wigs and free rides to treatment were also offered on the grounds.

“All of us have reasons why we walk — to remember the loved ones we lost, to cheer for the survivors and send prayers of strength to all fighting breast cancer,” Felix added. "Losing is just not an option.”