Thousands turn out for Strides breast cancer walk

Walkers from Team Hope participate in the Northwest Ohio Making Strides against Breast Cancer 5K walk at Levis Commons in Perrysburg, Ohio.

Organizers hoped to draw 6,000 walkers and raise $135,000 this year at the sixth annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society.

The national event has raised over $400 million with 165 walks held across the country.

PHOTOS: Northwest Ohio Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K

More than 230,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States in 2011, the cancer society said. Funds raised by events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are critical to meeting the needs of those affected by the disease, the group said.