TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — More than 10,000 people spent their Saturday morning at the 2024 Miles for Moffitt event, to support research in cancer prevention.

Everyone laced up their sneakers and took one step at a time to try and find a cure.

“This event’s been going on for 19 years and in that time, we’ve raised over 10 million dollars,” said Amanda Hollis, Director of Corporate Giving for Moffitt. “All of that has gone into cancer research to help make sure we have better treatments and better prevention methods so that everybody with cancer can have hope.”

Not only does this fundraiser help raise awareness, but to survivors, the Moffitt Cancer Center has a deeper meaning.

“They were so positive right from the beginning, and they gained my trust immediately,” cancer survivor Katie VonAldenbruck said. “As soon as I saw and met my teams of oncologists, my radiologists, I just knew it was the place to be, and this was the place that was going to be saving my life.”

The event was jam-packed, filled with Zumba, wheelchair races, 5K and 10Ks, and fun runs.

During the event, people could also visit Moffitt’s Mole Patrol to get free skin screenings.

“I think it’s great that everyone’s coming together as a community to promote a good cause. I’m glad to be a part of that, I’m glad to be supporting that,” said participant Trevor Hyde.

All the registrations and donations will benefit cancer research— research that goes a long way in helping patients.

“Every three weeks, I’ve been doing it for six years. I’m currently cancer-free of stage four lung cancer and I have gotten support every part of the way,” VonAldenbruck said.

Moffitt cancer patients, team members, and supporters all moved together to make a difference and get research one step closer to finding a cure.

“This is really a special day, we’ve brought together cancer survivors and thrivers, we’ve got our doctors here, our researchers, and we’ve got family members, the community and we’re all here for a common purpose which is to really bring hope to everyone affected by cancer and to save lives,” Hollis added.

The overall goal for the fundraiser is to raise $1.7 million. If you did not get the chance to attend the event, but would still like to help, you can donate to Miles for Moffitt until January 31.

For more on Moffitt Cancer Center and the treatments they provide, click here.