Neighbors across Central New York participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events that looked a little bit different this year because of the pandemic.


What You Need To Know

  • Making Strides events in Syracuse and New Hartford were drive-thru because of COVID-19

  • The events raised awareness for breast cancer and showed support for survivors and current patients, while remembering those who have passed away

  • Over $88,000 was raised between the two events for the American Cancer Society

"Usually we have our big Making Strides walk in the fall, but because of the pandemic, we've had to reimagine it as a drive-thru event," said Robert Elinskas, event manager for Making Strides of Utica.

The event in the Mohawk Valley took place in the parking lot of Sangertown Square in New Hartford.

Participants and teams stayed in their cars and made their way through a course. Despite the different format, some features from the walk were still part of the event. 

"Like our survivor recognition and fundraising and things like that," Elinskas says. "Just a way to try and reimagine things and still bring people together for the fight against breast cancer, even in the middle of the pandemic."

Breast cancer survivors are thankful the event could still take place this year. 

"I think it's fantastic because we still need to raise money for research and to help those that are still fighting cancer," said Linda Van Gorder.

Van Gorder participated with a group of friends and family for a cause that’s personal.

"This drive-thru is for the memory of my mother, who passed from breast cancer, and I'm a six and a half year survivor, and I will continue to walk and raise money for this great cause," Van Gorder added.

Similar events took place across the state Sunday, including outside Syracuse’s Destiny USA.

"I think that this event is important, it raises awareness for breast health, and we all know that screening and detection do save lives, and so if we're able to detect problems earlier, we as clinicians can help patients sooner, so it's very important to get the message out there," said Dr. Ranjna Sharma, medical director of the Breast Cancer Program at Upstate Cancer Center.

That message of the importance of awareness and early detection is echoed by survivors who participated.

"You definitely want to go and get your mammograms, possibly sonograms also, self-breast exams, definitely do that," Amanda Gilmore said.

The two events raised over $88,000 combined for the American Cancer Society.