“What unites us, ignites us” was the rallying phrase which over a thousand people were greeted by at the Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 14. The annual walk took place once again at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, where a sea of pink gathered in the market hall.

The event kicked off with speeches from many people involved in organizing the event, including Mr. Ray Hodges, high school math teacher.

“I’ve been going [to this event] since its inception in 2000,” said Hodges. “You want to try to raise awareness for breast cancer so women become more diligent about being tested.”

Hundreds of people clad head to toe in pink showed up to complete this three-mile walk. The crowd included many volunteers from various clubs and teams in the school.

“It’s important to have events like this,” said football player David Medina, “because it reminds people breast cancer is a real problem and it’s good we support people going through this.”

Everyone at the event, whether it was their first or 10th time at the event, agreed that it was an excellent way to raise awareness, and a necessity to support the cause.

During the walk, student volunteers cheered on the walkers and encouraged them to continue fighting.

Survivors were thrilled to see the large turnout and excited to see such enthusiasm for the cause.

“It was great to have all the volunteers on the edges cheering us on,” said Karen Detch, a survivor of breast cancer attending the event for the first time.

“I thought the event was crazy successful,” she said.