In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, the American Cancer Society hosted its 16th annual Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Making Strides is a noncompetitive 5k walk which took place on UA’s campus. Registration, the kickoff program, and the Survivor Lap were held in the field house.

This walk raised over $200,000 from more than 2,500 participants.

“It was great to have the University of Akron Greek Life supporting the event with cheering,” said Kelley Gifford, community manager for the East Central Division.

In honor of the breast cancer survivors, a pink tire was made, which was then signed by the survivors.

“We had a lot of excitement with the survivor lap and had an Akron theme with Pink Tires around the Field House,” Gifford said.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. Each year there are about 2,300 new cases of breast cancer in men and 230,000 cases for women, according to the Government’s Cancer website.

The event helps the community become more aware that there is a large support system for those touched by cancer, including individuals dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis currently. It also educates participants so they may avoid a diagnosis and reduce risk of breast cancer.

Along with fundraising, Making Strides celebrates survivors and pays tributes to loved lost ones, all with the mission to raise funds to help finish the fight.

For more information visit, bit.ly/1LHiONa.