Thousands Walk in Detroit’s Making Strides Event, Raising Money for Breast Cancer Research

Some 8,000 people filled The Corner Ballpark in Detroit's Corktown last Saturday, walking to fight breast cancer at the 28th Making Strides event, raising funds for vital research.

From dawn until mid-morning, survivors stood with their loved ones. Since its start, this walk has pulled in $19 million to help patients and push science forward.

"To see everybody rally around those in the community that have been battling it, are still battling it, honoring those that we've lost, it is such a moving day for everyone," said Erin Schrieber, according to WXYZ.

This year, breast cancer will strike more than 200,000 women and 2,800 men across America, reports the American Cancer Society. Michigan doctors predict 10,000 new cases among women in 2025.

Troy resident Tiffany Arnold walked for the second time. At 46, she faced stage 1 breast cancer without warning - no family history, despite regular checks. "Funny story is I went in on my lunch break — it was that unexpected, and the first thing that came to mind was my daughter, who is my everything," Arnold said.

Detroit police officers shook pom-poms alongside the walkers. Two local spots, McShane's pub and Corktown Taphouse, pledged a tenth of their day's sales to the cause.

"I got very emotional when I came here because my friend just died, but it's so exciting to see all the things out here," said Sheila Young per ClickOnDetroit. Young marked three years cancer-free at the walk.

13-year survivor Wanda Johnson spoke from the heart: "To go through cancer and lose your hair and be sick, it's rough. But when you're out, it's beautiful," Johnson said.

Jenni Beamer of the American Cancer Society's Michigan branch stressed prevention: "Maybe you haven't been touched by cancer, and this event reminds you to get a mammogram," Beamer said.

Paws, the Tigers' mascot, joined the morning crowd. The walk aims to collect $700,000 this year.