Thousands of walkers packed the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday morning for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, a fundraiser and community celebration supporting breast cancer patients, survivors and their families.

Organizers expected about 10,000 participants this year, with hopes of raising more than $600,000 for the American Cancer Society. Last year’s walk brought in $500,000 in a single day.

KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell, a breast cancer survivor, returned as an emcee. She was diagnosed 14 years ago and said the event is a reminder of the progress made in cancer treatment.

“Every time I come out and talk to people and they tell me about their treatments, I’m amazed,” Mitchell said. “For every diagnosis now, there is a specific treatment. It is just amazing.”

Mitchell sa

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