ALBANY, N.Y. -- Thousands of people gathered in Albany’s Washington Park on Sunday for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday.
“This cause is so important to our community and so important to us that we help people in their journey and their fight against cancer,” said Michele Kollmer, senior manager of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Kollmer is also a breast cancer survivor herself.
“We're getting closer and closer each day,” said Kate Hockford, who is currently battling breast cancer.
Among those walking in support of people who were affected by the cancer are people who have experienced it firsthand.
“I have three daughters and when I was diagnosed, the hardest thing was telling them that I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I want a world where they don’t have to hear that they have breast cancer,” said Marilyn Fuller, a survivor of breast cancer.
Those who have survived the cancer see inspiration in the outpouring community support.
“It is wonderful and it’s very moving because you see how many people that cancer has effected and this is just a small subset of breast cancer,” said Hockford.
Fuller had a similar reaction.
“It's awesome," said Fuller. "It makes me want to cry because so many people are here all for one cause to raise money to help fight breast cancer."
But the real inspiration lies in the empowering women who never gave up and those who continue to battle the cancer every day.
“I don’t get upset. It’s all small stuff and that’s really what day to day is," said Hockford. "I take each moment as just a moment and I know that it’s just awesome. Life is awesome.”
Fuller had some words of advice for those still fighting.
“Be strong, keep up the fight, you’re not alone," said Fuller. "There are so many people that are there with you, praying for you, thinking about you and just hang in there."
This year, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Albany had 16,000 participants and raised $772,000.