SMYRNA – The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s 15th annual Monster Mile Walk for a Cause took place on Oct. 19 at Homestead Gardens.

Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition partnered with Homestead Gardens for the second year in a row to expand the 1-mile walk into an event that included family-friendly activities, music, games, and food.

Parents, kids, family, friends, individuals, and teams joined together to raise funds for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Over 250 participants united and walked the 1-mile path.

After the race, awards were given for highest individual fundraiser, highest team fundraiser, best team costume, best dog costume, and best individual costume.

Stephanie Cumella, breast cancer survivor and event organizer, said, “The 15th annual Monster Mile Walk for a Cause was a wonderful time. After months of planning, phone calls, text messages, and meetings, the results were spectacular!

“Homestead out did themselves yet again with their magical decorations, each placed so that the event looked like a garden wonderland, and wow did it ever!” said Ms. Cumella. “For me to get in front of participants, to figure out what I should say and what I should’ve leave out, makes me very nervous, but when I get up on stage to speak, I see the sea of fellow survivors that are smiling, that are here with me, and that gives me all the super power strength I need!”

Ms. Cumella said, “Their unwavering support, their friendship and our bond over this terrible disease, is amazing! I thank every survivor who came out and supported the event, their family and friends. It does take a village to combat this terrible disease, and although no one wants to be a part of the community, once you are, you are accepted with open arms and receive all the love and support you need! Cheers to next year’s Monster Mile! Save the date for Saturday, October 18, 2025!”

Francesca Vogel, CEO of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, said, “Community partnerships are the lifeblood of the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC), allowing us to sustain public health service programs of Women’s Health Screening and Survivorship support for Delawareans statewide.”

Ms. Vogel said, “We’re extremely grateful to Homestead Gardens for their hospitality in offering their beautiful garden grounds as the backdrop for our Monster Mile fundraiser and having adopted our venue for the second year in a row.

“The Homestead Gardens team was absolutely amazing to work with and it’s wonderful to see teams returning and new families, friends and community members join us for the fun walk and enjoy the activities, food and entertainment planned for what turned out to be the ideal October fall day! On behalf of everyone we serve, thank you ALL for your support, energy and passion for the life-saving work of the DBCC in the fight against breast cancer!” said Ms. Vogel.

Funds generated by this event support Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s programs to increase breast cancer awareness, promote the importance of early detection, provide access to mammograms, and provide support and resources to men, women, and their families in the Greater Delaware region who are newly diagnosed or facing recurrence of breast cancer.

For more information about the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, visit debreastcancer.org.