Photo Gallery: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Young and old took part in a spirited 5K breast cancer walk at Lacy Park Sunday, May 1 to raise money for breast cancer research and strive to achieve "a world with more birthdays".

Event Chair Catherine Schultz said $43,000 had been raised and 500 participants had been counted as of Tuesday, doubling funds and participation from last year.

Mothers, daughters, sisters, husbands, and friends paid homage to the ones they have lost and the ones that have survived.

The crowd was first warmed up by the Titan cheerleading squad and then led to inspiration by Event Director for the American Cancer Society Leah Lewis and Event Chair Catherine Schultz. 

"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is as unique and special as the stories that motivate our dedicated walkers, donors and volunteers," said the Making Strides Web site. "Each step we take is personal. And each donation is helping to save lives. And each volunteer helps create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays." 

Breast Cancer affects "1 in 8 American women" in their lifetime making it one of the leading causes for death in women, according to the American Cancer Society.

However thanks to early detection and education "in 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S."

For more information about breast cancer check out the American Cancer Society Web site.