ORLANDO, Fla. — The streets of downtown Orlando were filled with 60,000 people Saturday morning who were there to support the fight against breast cancer.
They were taking part in the 19th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Channel 9 sponsored the early-morning event and news anchor Vanessa Echols, a breast cancer survivor, was the emcee.
Thousands of volunteers helped out at the event.
"If they can't give money they give their time and energy to make this work," cancer survivor N. Diane Holmes said.
"It's a blessing. We've always participated and donated money but I never thought I'd be on the receiving end of it. The support has been amazing," cancer survivor Lisa Valdez said.
The crowd of participants made it the largest event in the state in support of the America Cancer Society.
The event's aim is to raise money in support of the American Cancer Society for prevention, treatment and research.
"The million dollars is important, but that million dollars is raised $5, $10, $15 at a time," Susan Petre, vice president of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Many of those who walked or ran across the finish line Saturday morning did so with someone in mind.
"You have a lot of people. It's very emotional. You take it to heart," runner Gina Parrilla said.