STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Thousands of Staten Islanders and supporters gathered Sunday at Midland Beach for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, hosted by the American Cancer Society.
The powerful event marked a day of solidarity, bringing together participants dressed in different shades of pink to honor loved ones who have lost their battle with breast cancer, as well as survivors and those currently fighting the disease.
As the largest and most impactful breast cancer fundraiser in the country, Making Strides celebrates courage and hope while raising critical funds for research and patient support.
For the past 18 years, Staten Islander Elsie Adolphe has participated as a team leader and walker, driven by her desire to honor her sister, Denise Chevalier (1954–1996), who lost her battle with breast cancer, and her other sister, Gina Chevalier, who is courageously fighting the disease today.
“I do this for the people who are still fighting,” Adolphe said. “I do this so nobody will have to experience the pain I experienced in losing my sister. I want a cure to be found.”
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
The walk served as a reminder of the strength in unity, with individuals and families coming together to support the mission of ending breast cancer for everyone, everywhere.
Breast cancer survivor Caryn Pucci, who has been walking for the past four years, said, “I am a survivor!” surrounded by family and friends in matching T-shirts.
This year’s walk featured special appearances and performances on the main stage, led by radio personality Vinnie Medugno, who served as emcee.
Back by popular demand, Italian singing sensation Biagio performed, followed by Dr. Arthy Yoga, a distinguished breast surgical oncologist at Richmond University Medical Center.
Kaitlin Kelly, diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at age 32, served as the 2025 Survivor Ambassador, inspiring participants with her story of resilience and hope.
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Miss Staten Island 2025 Madison Gattullo performed a stirring rendition of the national anthem, after which Nicole Freni, a certified trainer and wellness coach, led the official warm-up for thousands of walkers.
The Port Richmond High School Marching Band also performed, kicking off the walk along the boardwalk.
Fundraising efforts were impressive this year, with individuals, teams, and companies raising thousands of dollars. Among teams, Johnny B. Good and Argie’s Angels raised $32,328 and $27,610, respectively.
In the individual category, John Roca was the top fundraiser with $29,660, followed by Jennifer Luna, who raised $27,284. In the corporate category, UFT led with $17,156, followed by Northwell Health, which raised $12,210.
See below for a full list of amounts raised for the 2025 Staten Island Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn SantosTop TeamsJohnny B GoodPacesetter Team$32,328Argie’s AngelsPacesetter Team$27,610Staten Island Fishing ClubPassionate Pink Leaders$20,205Team P.S.30Super Star Squad$13,406Team STOP & STORSuper Star Squad$11,273Northwell Health at Midland BeachSuper Star Squad$10,757Don’t Wine About It…Walk for a Cure…Team LindaSuper Star Squad$10,480Katie’s KrewSuper Star Squad$10,128Jenn’s JemsCrusader Crew$7,070TEAM MARIECrusader Crew$5,345Top ParticipantsJohn RocaGold Pacesetter$29,660Jennifer LunaGold Pacesetter$27,284Linda SlaightSilver Pacesetter$9,806Christopher LaPortaSilver Pacesetter$8,179Kaitlin KellyBronze Pacesetter$5,898Vincenza GallassioBronze Pacesetter$5,661Marie BeyersPacesetter$4,146Gina BrennanPacesetter (Personal Gift)$4,059Nicole ManriquePacesetter (Personal Gift)$3,846Gina DiazPacesetter$3,314Top CompaniesUFT$17,156Northwell Health$12,210Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority$1,189Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc$1,132Integration Charter Schools$971NYC H+H$839ICF$527Applebee’s NY Metro$358Avon$311Schools vs Cancer – Middle School$52
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Participants record the entertainment on the Main Stage at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
A young particpant gets her hair styled in a pink accessory at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Elsie Adophe, far right, and her team have been participants for the past 18 years at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Raffle tickets were sold to raise money for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Deanna Pavone, left, and Christine Bandara participated at 2025 the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
Thousands gathered at Midland Beach Sunday for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, honoring survivors, those currently fighting the disease, and loved ones lost to breast cancer. (Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.