Move With Love Raises $115,000 for Breast Cancer Research

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research hosted its 13th annual fundraising event on Saturday, May 15, raising more than $115,000 so far.

“Thank you for Moving With Love on Saturday,” the foundation wrote in a post on Instagram after the event. “We are so thrilled with the turn out and love seeing how you moved.”

More than 500 movers from around the globe participated from 42 states and eight countries in 2021.

In a typical year, Palisadian runners and walkers join the foundation in spring for the annual Walk With Love, which hosts iterations in Pacific Palisades, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara.

In 2020, in response to COVID-19, the event pivoted to take place virtually. This year, it was once again online, but with a slight difference: Instead of Walk With Love, it was called Move With Love.

“This year, we want to get the world moving,” Dr. Susan Love wrote in a statement ahead of May 15. “Whether you walk, run, swim, golf, dance or spin—your actions support the forward movement of research to end breast cancer.”

Over the past 12 years, the foundation has raised millions of dollars for breast cancer research through the annual walk.

“In this time of uncertainty, we remain committed to our mission, to end breast cancer,” according to the statement. “As of 2020, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world in women, surpassing lung cancer with 2.3 million new cases. Now more than ever we need research to end this devastating disease.”

Funds raised through Move With Love 2021 will support the foundation’s Exploring the Ductal Anatomy Project.

“While the anatomy of the human body has been well delineated, the internal distribution of adult female breast ducts remains largely understudied,” according to the foundation. “This is important to note since breast cancer starts in the breast ducts prior to spreading to surrounding tissue.”

The foundation’s goal is to “utilize speed of sound 3D ultrasounds to visualize the distribution of ducts within a particular breast, as well as to locate early lesions within a duct.”

“This approach will enable both sampling the fluid in the duct (liquid biopsy) as well as the installation of intraductal therapy to better treat the disease right where it starts,” the statement continued.

Each virtual participant received a Move With Love bundle, which included a limited edition T-shirt, custom movement bib and a social media toolkit to share the experience with the online community. VIP participants received a collectible pin.

Those who registered had the option to join as an individual or a team.

“Fundraising is open until June 15,” according to the Instagram post, “so you can still reach our different incentive levels and take home some LOVE goodies.”

For more information or to donate toward the foundation’s goal of raising $150,000, visit movewithlove2021.org.