Breast cancer survivors and supporters have kicked off the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Orange County. 

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a national awareness and fundraising event to support American Cancer Society breast cancer research. 

Now in its 23rd year, more than 10,000 walkers raised more than a half a million dollars in the Hudson Valley last year. 

Thursday's kick-off aims to give fundraisers tools to begin raising funds ahead of the walk at Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets on October 14.

"We have so many dedicated fundraisers and participants and teams and sponsors that really like to have a little bit of time to get things started, and there is no time like the present," says Megan McGrady, director of LHV Community Development for the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society estimates 266,120 women and 2,550 men nationwide will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, including 17,890 women in New York State.