East County rallies against breast cancer

SARASOTA — After her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 31 years of age, East County resident Pete Roberton knew she’d be next.

And even after having several non-malignant lumps removed over the years, Roberton still wasn’t quite prepared for the emotional and physical turmoil she experienced after finding her own Stage 2 breast cancer nearly seven years ago, then undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery.

“For the first nine months of my diagnosis, I didn’t want to have anything to do with (services for breast cancer patients),” Roberton said, noting her daughters brought her information about classes and other services provided by the American Cancer Society. “But then, I went to an (American Cancer Society) meeting with (my daughter); I didn’t look back.”

This year, Roberton is serving on the planning committee for the 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Sarasota/Manatee. Making Strides walks have been held nationwide since 1993 to raise money for American Cancer Society programs to assist cancer patients and fund efforts to find cures.

This year’s Making Strides fundraiser in Sarasota/Manatee will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 22, at the Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota.

Registration and a survivors breakfast will start at 7:30 a.m., with the 5K walk following at 9 a.m.

“It gives breast cancer patients hope and it raises funds for breast cancer (research),” event vice chairman Amy Tuten said. “A lot of the money raised does come back locally to programs the American Cancer Society has here.”

Participants are encouraged to wear decorated pink bras for the event to show how personal their fight is against breast cancer.

“It’s about empowerment — what does the pink bra mean to you?” Tuten said, noting the idea is part of the American Cancer Society’s Pink Bra Campaign in Florida. “It means courage, hope or remembering (someone). It is very personal.”

Last year’s local Making Strides event drew more than 10,000 participants and raised $440,000 for the cause. Organizers this year hope to raise $470,000 or more. Already 200 teams are participating, Tuten said.

“I’m totally in awe, because there are so many people that are so supportive (of this cause),” Roberton said. “But at the same time, I’m also very distressed by the number of men and women that get afflicted by the disease. I want the money to be there to find the cure.”

Individuals who are not participating in the walk are still welcome to attend the event or make financial contributions toward the cause.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

Making Strides
When: 9 a.m. Oct. 22
Where: Sarasota Polo Club, 8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota
Registration: Starts at 7:30 a.m.
Details: 5K walk starts at 9 a.m. Festivities include music, snacks, drinks and more. No pets allowed. No smoking allowed.
Info or to register: www.putonyourpinkbra.com/sarasotamanatee