Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Sets New Fundraising Record In Westport Emma Van Riper '20
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer organization, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, held its annual walk in Westport at the Sherwood Island State Park on Oct. 15.
This year, registration kicked off at 9:00 a.m. and the walk started at 10:00 a.m., where over 5,000 supporters of breast cancer awareness and survivors themselves came for the cause. The money that is raised for The American Cancer Society not only funds breast cancer research, but promotes risk factor awareness and provides support for many patients. Many people participate in the walk, especially if they are supporters of cancer survivors or lost someone to cancer.
“I will definitely attend future walks because they are so inspiring - women supporting women - along with their family and friends. I cried, hugged, and laughed with many of the survivors and hearing their stories is very empowering,” Karen Amaru, a Westport citizen who attended the event, said.
Neva Weber, mother of Jacob Weber ’20, started one of the groups at the walk. Her group, Westport Babes, has raised large amounts of money every year, including over $101,868.00 that they raised this year. Weber unfortunately passed away this past February, and in honor of her, the Westport Babes made their fundraising goal be her birthday: October 18, 1968. Weber battled with stage four breast cancer everyday for over nine years. Many of her friends and family showed their support for her with their donations and spirit at the walk.
Weber is the #1 national fundraising pacesetter, and the Westport Babes are the #2 national pacesetter fundraising team in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer organization. The Westport edition of the organization has raised $233,064 this year (as of Oct. 18), with almost half of that coming from the Westport Babes.
“Over these nine years, Neva and her Babes raised $500,443.00 (as of Sept. 19) to fund research and development for life sustaining and saving drugs that enabled her to keep going and continue to help the scores of women and men who are battling this horrific disease,” Ricki Arno, Weber’s Mother, explained.
Some of the other groups that attended the event included the Connecticut Dance School, the Sacred Heart University cheerleading team and the Spot at Just Dance Studios dance team.
The Westport edition of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is just a part of the nationwide organization with 1.4 million people and $60 million.
“I think many Staples students should attend breast cancer awareness events such as this walk even if they aren’t directly affected by breast cancer in order to show their support for those that haven’t been as fortunate as themselves,” Alison Partner ’18 said.
The event, along with the Westport Babes, will be back next year to try and help as much as they can to put an end to breast cancer.