Smith Point Beach on the south shore of Long Island was the sight of hundreds of cancer survivors and supports. The event is known as The Long Island Two Day Walk. The walk's goal is to raise funds for local breast cancer (and other cancer) research. Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of five hundred dollars. In the past, the event was held over a two-day period in which participants walked a total of 35 miles. Recently the event has changed to be a total of 13.1 miles in a one day period. The event will usually include, on average, 600 participants [that is not including volunteers and supporters].
The organization was first founded in 2004 by Ginny Salerno. She states that without the support from her family and friends the event would not be what it is today. Since the first walk in June of 2004, the organization has raised over six million dollars in a fund for "local grassroots breast cancer and other women's cancer organizations." The organization has also created a scholarship fund.
Local businesses such as BLVD Bagels, Mid Island Flight School, Seaford Foot Care Center, and Black Diamond Coffee [ to name only a few] sponsor the event. Without their support, the event would not be the same.
The walkers are very much encouraged to train for the walk. Throughout the months leading to the main event there smaller training events. There are also events held to help the participants raise funds. These smaller events also provide much-needed awareness of breast cancer and other women's cancer. These events only provide support for women going through the journey of battling cancer.
One of the most powerful moments of the entire walk comes near the end. The Smith Point Bridge is closed. On the one side of the bridge, the walkers gather in one large crowd. Supports line each side of the bridge waiting for the walkers to cross the bridge. At the other side of the bridge, their local fire department uses the hook and latter trucks to outstretch an American flag. The sheer number of walkers gives all supports the chills. To watch a group of some of the strongest women [and men] walks [some hand in hand] across the bridge together in the fight to end cancer has to be one of the most powerful things to witness.
My own mother is a breast cancer survivor. Through events related to the Long Island Two Day Walk, she has met some amazing ladies that have become some of her close friends. The events that I have attended with her are so inspirational. The events raise much-needed money to hopefully find a cure such a horrible disease.
To get involved with the many events held by the organization visit their website. Show your support for the amazing work this organization does- it will certainly not go unnoticed.
