AUGUSTA, Ga. — A Heartfelt Change for the Miracle Mile Walk
For over two decades, the Miracle Mile Walk has been a beacon of hope and support for those affected by breast cancer in the CSRA community. This annual event, hosted by the Piedmont Augusta Foundation, has drawn thousands of participants, bringing together survivors, friends, and families to walk for a cause. However, this year, the foundation announced a significant change due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene striking the area.
Understanding the Decision
Executive Director of Philanthropy at the Piedmont Augusta Foundation, Anne Catherine Murray, expressed the disappointment felt across the community. “As disappointing as this is to the community, to the survivors, to people who’ve been fundraising, and to our sponsors, it’s just not the right time to have the actual walk. With the storm’s impact, it’s just too many people to manage,” she explained. In previous years, the event saw as many as 14,000 attendees, which can heavily tax local public safety resources.
While the traditional walk will not take place, Murray encourages the community to keep the spirit alive. “We really want to encourage people to continue fundraising or raising awareness in their own way. If they want to do a virtual walk, that’s perfectly fine. They can do it whenever they want, and they can share their experiences using the hashtag #MiracleMileWalk2024.”
The Impact of the Walk
Since its inception in 2001, the Miracle Mile Walk has raised an impressive $5.6 million dedicated to early detection, diagnostic services, and survivor support. The funds primarily support the foundation’s mobile mammography unit, which serves a 25-county area, providing vital screening services. “We’ve screened over 83,000 individuals and identified nearly 400 cases of breast cancer through this mobile unit alone. It’s critical for those who may not have easy access to these services,” Murray noted.
This invaluable support also extends to the Randy W. Cooper Center for Breast Health Services, where individuals can receive diagnostic testing, genetic testing, counseling, and support groups. “Many people in our community have been touched by breast cancer, and this facility means so much to them. It’s not just about treatment; it’s about connection and support,” added Murray.
How to Get Involved
Even without the physical gathering, there are still many ways for the community to stay engaged. Miracle Mile donation drop-off and T-shirt pickup is scheduled for Thursday, October 17th, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm at Piedmont Summerville. Additionally, raffle tickets will be available for purchase until Sunday, October 20th, with winners announced on social media on Monday, October 21st. If you’re interested in grabbing some Miracle Mile merchandise, it is available for sale at various Piedmont campuses, including Piedmont Augusta, Piedmont Summerville, and Piedmont McDuffie.
Final Thoughts
While this year’s Miracle Mile Walk may look different, the essence of the event remains the same—raising awareness and funds for a cause that impacts so many. As Murray aptly put it, “We are still here for our community and our survivors. Let’s keep the momentum going, even if we can’t walk together this year.”
For more information about the mobile mammography unit, feel free to call 706-774-4149. Together, we can continue to support those battling breast cancer, ensuring that no one walks this journey alone.
