CEDAR RAPIDS - They say there's strength in numbers. When it comes to breast cancer, some people say they need all the strength they can get.

For 18 years, a group has gathered to support breast cancer survivors...each year the Especially for You Race grows.

"It's tradition for a lot of people, I think in the community. And unfortunately I think more families are affected by breast cancer it brings out more people every year," said one of the women in the race.

Each person here has their own reason for being here. Allix Davis is here for her mother Deb. Deb died two years ago.

"I think she would be really happy to see everybody out here supporting those with cancer," said Allix.

It's not just women that walk. Andrew Tower is here for his co-workers.

"I work at McKinley Middle School, and we've had some teachers in the past that had breast cancer, and we do it in memory of them every year," said Tower.

Last year they raised $242,000, and this year they're hoping to beat that.

Sunday's turnout was the second largest in 18 years, at 10,194.

Organizers said they brought in $248,819.00.

"I'm just really thankful that a lot of people are out here," said Allix.

Support like this, Allix said, lets her know she's not alone.

The Especially For You Race started after a worker at the General Mills plant in Cedar Rapids died from Breast Cancer.

Since then, General Mills has teamed up with Mercy Medical Center to help women detect breast cancer as early as possible.

Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com