By KAYLA DEMICCO
Staff Writer
By KATE PIERCE
News/Managing Editor
A sea of pink flooded Washington Park on Sunday as an estimated 20,000 people joined together to take part in Albany’s 22nd Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Every dollar raised for the event is being donated to find a cure and improve treatment for those affected by breast cancer.
“I take part in Strides every year to honor survivors like my mom and as part of a community that works to see an end to breast cancer,” said Vicki Stubbs, a senior at the college.
Businesses were scattered around the park with their redecorated, pink logos showing their support for breast cancer awareness.
According to the Making Strides of Albany website the morning before the walk, donations totalled $380,656 out of a goal of $740,000. There were 481 teams formed to walk together and raise money as a group.
Two of the teams from Saint Rose included Colleges Against Cancer with 46 members who raised $1,060 and Saint Rose Student Association with eight members who raised $150.
A team called “Kate Kicks Cancer” raised the most money with a total of $7,790 with 22 members. The president of the team came in second for the individual who raised or donated the most money with $6,190.
The individual who raised the most money was Karen Horton with $21,160. The company to raise the most money was the New York State United Teachers. with $16,878. These totals do not include cash and last minute donations made at the event on Sunday.
At the registration and check in tent, registered walkers received a sticker that said “Registered Walker” with the pink ribbon on it. Also at the tent, whenever a survivor of breast cancer came up, volunteers rang bells that were followed by a roar of cheers in celebration.
Right by the tent was a pink CDTA bus with the phrase “Real Men Wear Pink.” All local colleges – UAlbany, Siena, Sage, Saint Rose – who have a “Colleges Against Cancer” clubs took a group photo in front of the bus. Vendors were available on site with apparel supporting the cause with pink ribbons.
Our very own acapella club, the Golden Notes, took to the starting line before the ribbon was cut. They sang their alumni song and invited attendees to sing along.
The hot pink and shiny starting ribbon was cut to start the walk shortly after noon and everyone began to walk. Walkers enjoyed free water bottles given out a by volunteers in “Hope Hero” shirts and a live performance by acoustic guitar player Matt Cosgrove. Surrounded around the park, and along the path to fight breast cancer were lawn signs informing people about breast cancer and to lead them in the right direction.
“It’s always good to give back to the community that gives to us,” said Ryan O’Dea, the public relations representative for the Golden Notes
