Detroit's Corktown neighborhood will fill with pink shirts and sneakers this Saturday morning as the Making Strides of Detroit Presented by Chevrolet walk returns to Corner Ballpark. The outdoor event runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 1680 Michigan Avenue, giving participants the choice of a 2.5-mile route or a shorter 1-mile option.
The walk is organized by the American Cancer Society and is designed to raise both awareness and money for breast cancer research, prevention and patient care, according to FOX 2 Detroit. The event, officially named Making Strides of Detroit Presented by Chevrolet, is part of a nationwide American Cancer Society fundraising campaign, per the American Cancer Society.
Dollars raised through the walk go toward more than just lab research. The American Cancer Society notes that funds support free information services for people facing cancer, as well as rides to treatment and lodging assistance for patients who have to travel far from home for care.
Getting There and What to Expect
MGM Grand Detroit has partnered with organizers to provide free parking and shuttle service for walkers heading to Corner Ballpark, the station's report notes. Registration ahead of time is not required, though organizers say it helps them plan for how many people to expect, according to Yahoo News. Whatever the weather does on Saturday, the walk is set to go on as scheduled — the American Cancer Society says on its event page that the group walks rain or shine.
Exactly how many people will show up this year depends on who you ask. Thousands are expected to attend, and WXYZ reported that organizer Erin Schrieber expects about 10,000 people to take part. Either way, Corktown is bracing for a crowded Saturday morning around the ballpark.
Fundraising Goals Vary by Report
Fundraising figures for this year's walk also differ between outlets. FOX 2 Detroit reported that more than $310,000 has been raised so far toward a goal of $825,000, while WXYZ reported the goal for this year is $700,000, with organizers expecting to exceed that figure. Neither report explained why the numbers diverge.
The event's history gets a similar split treatment. FOX 2 Detroit described this year's walk as marking its 29th year of fueling the fight against the disease. Saturday's walk falls during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, giving the Corktown gathering an extra layer of significance for the thousands expected to lace up and walk for the cause.
