CINCINNATI — The Tri-State raised more than $350,000 Saturday morning at the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk. Thousands crossed the starting line — and for many, the walk was personal.

"It's in memory of my mom," Carly Korte said. "She passed away from breast cancer two and a half years ago and I'm a survivor, too."

Korte and her "Miles for Mom Team" said they hope to make the walk a tradition.

"It's hard...it's good, you know, to raise awareness and have a special event to remember my mom," Korte said.

Each of the pink pinwheels at the walk brings up a memory of its own, representing a life lost to breast cancer. Donna Salyers, the walk's executive committee chair, said money raised will help those fighting every step of the battle.

"It all stays local, and I think that's the heartening thing," Salyers said.

Organizers say 5,000-10,000 people took part — while dozens more volunteered to put it all together. The $350,000 raised was confirmed before the walk even started.

"If we didn't have our team of volunteers, we couldn't pull off this event, so it's awesome to have people who are coming out every year," volunteer lead Tiffan Stephens said. "I think it's because of the personal impact that cancer has on people's families, including mine."

With so many sharing the same heartbreak, the event offers a chance to come together and reflect.

"I think she would be happy, yeah," Korte said. "She'd be proud we're, you know, just trying to raise awareness, and I think she'd be proud."

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CINCINNATI — The American Breast Cancer Society's Making Strides walk is celebrating its 25th anniversary on Sunday with its annual walk scheduled for Saturday.

According to the group's Facebook page, this year's walk starts at Yeatman's Cove at 705 E. Pete Rose Way in downtown Cincinnati. There are three different start times for the 5 kilometer walk: 8:30 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10 a.m.

The path for the walk goes across the Ohio River into Newport, then back across into Cincinnati. Walkers pass Newport Aquarium, Great American Ball Park and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Photo provided/Making Strides Cincinnati Facebook

To volunteer to help with the Making Strides walk, or to donate to the American Cancer Society, visit the ACS Events webpage.