Walking toward a cure

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EXETER — Linda Eaton wore the pink sash given to breast cancer survivors and stood on the sidewalk among the throngs of people at the Making Strides For Breast Cancer walk on Sunday. Surrounded by other survivors and supporters, she spoke of the comfort found in the crowd.

\"It's the greatest support you can have — to have others with you and know you're not alone. I've been a survivor for three years and my mom's been a survivor for 28 years,\" Eaton said.

More than 1,000 walkers came to Exeter to show support and raise money for the American Cancer Society. Co-chairwoman Karen Strickland said the event raised $236,000, with last-minute donations and matching donations from businesses still coming in. She said the walk made about $228,000 last year.

Strickland said the walk demonstrates the dedication of those who support the fight against breast cancer.

\"You talk about awareness, and then you look at this and see that it's everywhere. It really gives people the opportunity to share experiences with survivors,\" she said.

Strickland said the walk began at Exeter Hospital, which has donated its campus and volunteers to the walk for the last 10 years running. From there, the path wrapped around Phillips Exeter Academy and downtown, covering more than three miles overall.

Exeter Hospital Chief Executive Officer Kevin Callahan said his staff and volunteers hosted a breakfast for the 100 survivors who came to the walk. He said he has been glad to work with the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer program in town, and noted that Exeter Hospital has a large cancer treatment program.

\"We're very proud and very honored to do this. We work with very great people, and it's just a phenomenal event,\" Callahan said.

Julie Braley was one of 11 walking team members representing the Riverwood Retirement Center in Exeter. She said the walk was her first, and she was hopeful the event could raise a lot of money for breast cancer research.

\"We're here to support the cause,\" she said.

The local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk joined others in New Hampshire and nationally. In the Granite State, walks were also held in Dover, Manchester and Concord.