It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society is marking the occasion with its 22nd annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" 3K in Rochester.
About 12,000 walkers gathered at Frontier Field Sunday, creating a sea of pink in the streets.
“It’s just a big celebration of survivorship, and those we lost — it’s in honor of them," Event organizer Tiffany Paige-Cirrincione said. "We’re walking to support breast cancer research and support for those going through breast cancer.”
Walkers like Mary Catherine Johnson.
“I’m a breast cancer survivor baby, and I’m raising money for breast cancer awareness,” Johnson said.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, and after winning her battle, went on to be the American Cancer Society’s advocate for Rochester’s 25th Congressional District.
“I get to be a voice and be here for the people that can’t,” Johnson said.
This year she raised $3,200 for the walk alone, and has raised over $17,000 in the five years she’s done the 3K.
“I don’t ever want somebody else to hear, ‘You have cancer,’" Johnson said. "I would love for a day, I probably won’t live to see it, but I would love for a day that nobody has to hear that sentence.”
In all, the American Cancer Society expects to raise over $420,000 with this year’s walk.
Coupled with the thousands of supporters and other survivors, Johnson says it’s a day to celebrate.
“It warms my heart. It’s the only thing I can say, it warms my heart," Johnson said. "It’s just a really good feeling.”