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Thousands participate in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of breast cancer survivors, their families and supporters filled downtown Orlando on Saturday for the 15th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K Walk, where WFTV's Vanessa Echols was the honorary chair.

Participants started flocking to downtown Orlando early Saturday morning for the walk that started at 9 a.m. at Lake Eola. Organizers said they were expecting more than 50,000 people to participate in the 5K.

Echols, a breast cancer survivor, was joined by her co-anchor Jamie Holmes and thousands of other survivors and supporters.

Breast cancer survivor Debbie Leider said the event is all about showing support for those affected by breast cancer.

"A lot of people have family, friends, co-workers that are there for them but there's many people who are diagnosed who are not as fortunate so I think it's important to have programs, support and options for people," Leider said.

The 5K walk raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for programs and services that work to fight breast cancer. Money raised during the event will also fund innovative breast cancer research, organizers said. In 2012, the Making Strides walk raised $680,000 and more than 45,000 people participated.

Many downtown roads were closed for the walk, and drivers should expect delays in the area.