The 5th annual making strides against breast cancer walk brings out hundreds

JACKSON, Tenn — In honor of  breast cancer awareness month people across the country and here in west Tennessee are supporting the cause. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of west Tennessee hosted its 5th annual walk Saturday morning. Painting the town pink is what hundreds of folks in west Tennessee did to support breast cancer survivors, research, and much more.

Breast cancer survivor, Tarecia Shelton said “it does my heart good to know so many people care.”

This year was Shelton’s first time attending the walk. She’s a two-year survivor and said the American Cancer Society has done so much throughout her recovery process.

“When people have a hard time with their medication and their chemo they help and I want to do everything I can to give it back.” Shelton said.

Before taking off for the walk participants made sure to warm up with a dance routine. Organizers said over the past four years they’ve raised more than $600,000 for breast cancer.

Co-chair of Making Strides of west Tennessee, Susan Morris said “after today we think we’ll be much more than that.”

Breast cancer survivors also gathered for a  balloon release. It was a moment to celebrate their fight against the disease. As the walkers started moving they had several people cheering from the sidelines.

Sorority member, Emily McCartney said “I honestly teared up it just warms my heart to see these women and the amazing struggle they’ve gone through and conquered.”

Some participants said it’s always a great thing to have so many people to help build awareness.

Breast cancer survivor, Gwen Raglane said “we encourage anyone whether their survivors or have people in their family and friends to get involved because its a very necessary cause.”

There was no registration fee for Saturday’s walk, but folks signed up as teams and made donations towards breast cancer awareness.