Thousands stand up against breast cancer

Tens of thousands of people gathered at Jones Beach early Sunday morning for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, which raised more than $3 million for research, information and services. There was a sea of pink along the boardwalk, as people came out in support of finding a cure for a disease that affects one in every eight women.

The walk is held every October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There were several teams from Wantagh, including those organized by residents, businesses and school groups. Kristen Panza, of North Wantagh, and her team marched in honor of her two aunts, Fran Herzog and Lorraine Giaccio, who both lost their battles with breast cancer. The F&L Dynamic Duo raised $1,480.

“I walked this year to honor both of them and their courageous battles that they endured,” she said. “It doesn’t hit home on how many people are truly affected by cancer until you attend an event like this.”