A total of 36 CHS students and three teachers gathered to walk five kilometers in Point Pleasant Beach for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021. The event was run by the American Cancer Society, and sent all proceeds into helping research and battle breast cancer.

National Honors Society (NHS) encouraged CHS students to register and donate money for the walkathon, which, according to NHS advisor Sharyn O’Keefe, has been an annual tradition for 15 years.

“[The event] is all about [breast cancer] research and helping those who are currently battling cancer,” O’Keefe said.

Senior and NHS fundraising chair member Lakshya Vegiraju of Marlboro was in charge of advertising the event to students and contributing to the Making Strides Against Cancer website. According to Vegiraju, CHS was able to raise a total of $4,532.

“It’s amazing that our small school team is capable of raising so much money,” Vegiraju said.

Senior and NHS president Marissa Perez of Aberdeen was also heavily involved in the Breast Cancer Walkathon as she helped plan the event. Perez highlighted the importance of the marathon.

“This event is important because, of course, it’s always important to give back and to do as much as we can to make a difference,” Perez said. “By participating in it, it just makes you feel good; it makes you know that you’re actually doing good.”

O’Keefe also emphasized the importance of maintaining the tradition of the walk.

“I think it’s always important when we go out and do something that’s raising money for a really good cause,” O’Keefe said. “Plus, this one allows us to come together on the day of the walk. [You can] walk with your friends, walk with your family and the CHS community.”

Many students who attended the walk were inspired to join to help the cause and fight against breast cancer, such as sophomore Garret Stemetzki of Wall.

“I’m really close with some family members that have had breast cancer and I’ve had other family members that have died from cancer,” Stemetzski said. “So when I saw that we were doing this cause I wanted to get involved because I’ve known people affected by it.”

As the event came to a close, it was made clear that everyone enjoyed joining together to help raise awareness about breast cancer.

“It’s a great way for the community to come together, wear pink, and support a great cause that affects so many people’s lives,” Vegiraju said.