DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — The American Cancer Society (ACS) hosted its 2025 “The Making Strides Of The Triangle 5K Walk” on Saturday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park in downtown Durham.
“This walk is incredible. We’ve turned Durham pink, and it’s all for an amazing cause,” said Tammy Lennox, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society for Central and Eastern North Carolina.
Dozens of warriors — survivors and thrivers like Dorothy Robertson — packed on a pathway resembling the iconic ribbon of pink.
“I am a 22-year survivor, and I just thank God that I’m here able to walk.”
“It’s amazing how our community has come together to support our mission to end cancer as we know it for everyone,” ACS For Central and Eastern North Carolina Executive Director Richard Averitte said.
“It might be a little chilly, but the walking warms you up.”
CBS 17’s Bill Young and Brea Hollingsworth emceed the non-competitive, family-friendly event, bringing the community together to celebrate survivors, honor those lost, and raise money to help end breast cancer through research, information, patient support services and advocacy.
“Support is very vital,” said Mia Breeze, a breast cancer survivor. “The doctors, my family, those who also undergoing cancer treatment, it feels great to have a great support system and optimism shared with all of us. I’m a 10-year survivor now.”
Participants formed teams or walked individually along Tobacco Trail and raised donations throughout the year to support the cause.
This year’s 5K fundraising goal is $380,000.
“You know, 81 cents of every dollar that we raise through this event goes directly to our mission.”
Organizers like Lennox say the walk is much more than just an annual fundraising effort.
At the finish line, it’s a festival with activities, a resource village, and a community atmosphere — all coming together to celebrate life and battle breast cancer.
“My mother was a breast cancer victim 30 years ago, and we’ve had a 34% decrease in fatalities since she passed. And we’re going to beat this thing one day,” Averitte exclaimed.
“I’m just so happy because I got all of my peeps with me,” Robertson celebrated. “They’re supporting me and I plan on doing this every single year. “
Organizers say that for three decades, across the state and country, the 5K fundraising and support walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement.
If you’d like to help, this year’s fundraising continues until December 31. Click this link for more information Making Strides Against Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Walk .
