SOUTH BEND -- Hundreds of walkers came out Saturday morning to help raise funds and awareness for breast cancer at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

Family and friends came to support their loved ones affected by the disease.

The Psalm 23 Hair Salon closed Saturday morning to walk for their client Celesta Turner. Veronica Wheeler says her group raised $1,900 before she even knew Turner was a survivor.

"When I heard Celesta was a survivor yesterday it just melted my heart," Wheeler said.

Turner said she come to the event to be inspired. "It makes a big difference — it helps you strive and to want to go on and want to do good."

Some survivors, like Lyn Murphy of Mishawaka, said they came to inspire people who were recently diagnosed or who are still fighting the disease.

"I am a breast cancer survivor and I saw what it meant to me at the very beginning of my battle to see the survivors, and so I come out every year so people who are newly diagnosed can understand they can beat this," she explained.

Saturday's 5k walk was organized by the American Cancer Society. Organizers say they are hoping to raise around $150,000.

For more information or to donate go to: The American Cancer Society