Thousands hit Modesto streets to make strides against cancer

An estimated 3,500 people took to the streets of downtown Modesto on Sunday morning to honor those touched by breast cancer and raise awareness and money. It was the eighth annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Modesto.

Donations still were being tallied later Sunday morning, but Stephenie Gates, American Cancer Society West Region community development manager, said it looked like about $150,000 was raised. The money helps the ACS fund breast cancer research, provide education and guidance to help people reduce their risk, and offer patient support services.

Sunday’s walk was a merger of previously independent Modesto and Stockton events. ACS has a participation threshold to meet before it will hold a Making Strides event, and Stockton’s numbers were too low to go solo, Gates said.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, the ACS said, with more than 1 million participants each year. To learn more, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/modestoca.

This story was originally published October 21, 2018 at 12:45 PM.