10,000 marchers make strides against cancer

Ten thousand men,women and children walked  3.1 miles today at Lakewood Ranch to combat women's number-one health concern, breast cancer.

The goal was to raise $425,000, said Cynthia McCue, executive for the Manatee County Unit of the American Cancer Society.

"It's so touching to see all the survivors come together and share this time," McCue said.

An estimated 363 survivors led the massive column of pink out of the Sarasota Polo Grounds, under a flurry of balloons released at the start of the walk.

Many in the crowd knew someone who has or has had breast cancer.

Tracy Bohlman, an eighth grade teacher at Haile Middle School, said she thought the gigantic statement against breast cancer "was amazing."

Saturday's event was her third "Making Strides" fundraiser, and she helped organize a school team in honor of Haile orchestra teacher Valerie Terry, a breast cancer survivor.

Bambi Kaine fired up walkers before the start of Making Strides.

Eveyln Turner of Lakewood Ranch (left) and Cheryl Graham of Greyhawk Landing were among thousands "Making Strides" against breast cancer on Saturday.

Sandy Host's T-shirt read "Fight Like a Girl" at the Making Strides event Saturday.

"We love you Valerie," members of the Haile team chimed in.

For more, see Sunday's Bradenton Herald.

Jim