The American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Eastern Long Island fundraising walk drew hundreds of participants to Downtown Riverhead this morning, despite soggy weather before and during the early part of the 5K walk.
Walkers gathered in Grangebel Park before the 10 o’clock start, when they walked across a bridge over the Peconic River and took the path next to the River and Roots Community Garden to Main Street. The walk’s route took them east on Main Street to McDermott Avenue and then west on the River Walk along Heidi Behr Way back to the starting point. They made two loops on the route to complete the walk.
Participants came from all across the region. Chelsea Whitney of the American Cancer Society said more than 500 people had preregistered for today’s walk and at least 200 more registered on site before the 10 a.m. start.
Sponsors set up tables and along the riverfront, offering participants goody bags and literature about their organizations and its services. Hampton Coffee handed out free coffee and water.
The Eastern Long Island event raised more than $71,600 before this morning’s start.
“Making Strides” is a network of breast cancer events held in communities across the country, according to the American Cancer Society.
Funds raised through these events support breast cancer research and provide patient services such as free rides to chemo, free places to stay near treatment, and a live 24/7 cancer helpline. But we can’t do any of this without the help of people like you.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
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