Residents walk for breast cancer

A perfect morning welcomed nearly 1,000 people who came out early Saturday to celebrate and show support for those who have passed away from, survived, or are currently living with breast cancer.\nThe annual Bloomington Breast Cancer Awareness Walk began at City Hall, continued down Kirkwood to Indiana Avenue and back again. The mile-long event is open to anyone and there is no required donation or registration fee.\nMelody Martin, a breast cancer survivor of nine years, started the Bloomington Breast Cancer Awareness Walk six years ago.\n"The purpose of the walk is to promote early detection and raise awareness," Martin said. "It became a passion of mine to have a free walk ... kids, dogs, anyone."\nThe walk is sponsored by 51 local businesses, individuals, families, and organizations who donate everything from water and snacks to event T-shirts. Local restaurant Macri's Deli is one of the sponsors.\n"Macri's is always interested in supporting local charities and organizations, and the fact that the walk had a connection to IU and the community made us very enthusiastic," Macri's Manager Kate Fleming said. "Breast cancer affects so many people, including our customers, that we like to show our support for them." \nIn addition to sponsors, some smaller businesses gave out information about breast cancer at the event. One group of women sold handmade crystal bracelets with trademark ribbon charms. Dina Sullivan of "Creations for the Cure" explained the bracelets serve as "a small reminder everyday" of the disease. Sullivan and her partners make and sell the bracelets in memory of two friends who recently died from breast cancer.\nA committee of 13 members, who come from many different backgrounds, including real estate, banking, travel planning and medical fields orchestrate the event, which has been growing every year in terms of turn-out, donations, and sponsorship. \nCommittee member Barbara Joseph said the walk was not established to primarily work as a fund-raiser, but in past years donations have exceeded the money necessary to cover the cost of the event. Money raised was donated to local cancer causes, such as the Girl Friend Fund, which helps women who are undergoing cancer treatments pay for wigs, transportation, or medications that they might not be able to afford.\nLaura Kremer, participating for the second consecutive year in memory of her mother and aunt, said she enjoys the walk because it brings the community together for a good cause. \nKremer's friend, Mary Notter, said she is happy the purpose of the walk is only to raise awareness. \n"It's nice that it's not a competitive walk," Notter said.\nMany people were out to show support for their second, third, or fourth year. Merry Aden walked with two friends who are breast cancer survivors. Aden said she has been participating for the past three years. Aden and her group were out this year in support of two friends currently undergoing treatment. \nAccording to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer will claim more than 40,000 lives in the U.S. this year alone. The disease affects both men and women. Participants wore nametags to show support of friends and family members affected by the disease. \n"Just about everyone out here has been personally affected by this disease," sophomore Ashley Sylla said. "It is great to see how much support is behind those who have breast cancer."\n-- Contact staff writer Lyndsey Williams at lyjwilli@indiana.edu