The leaves are turning red and gold, and orange pumpkins line the streets of the Twin Villages, but now is the time to think pink.

The 15th Damariscotta Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be Sunday, Oct. 25. In the years since that first walk, walkers in Damariscotta have raised more than a million dollars to help fight breast cancer and help breast cancer patients in Maine.

We walk each year to remember those who lost the battle with breast cancer and recognize those who have survived. Many of those survivors attend the event and walk the three miles through Damariscotta and Newcastle to celebrate their success overcoming the disease that effects thousands of women and families every year.

Registration for the walk begins at 1 p.m. at The First Bank in Damariscotta. You can preregister at makingstrideswalk.org/damariscottame as a team or individual. This site also allows your supporters to donate to you online. You can also register on site the day of the walk. The Dyer Neck Gang band will get us warmed up during registration and pre-walk activities.

Children and survivors will have an area to create something special. Walkers can purchase T-shirts when registering online, but many teams design their own shirt with a clever phrases and artwork. A limited number of official walk T-shirts will be available at the walk. After inspirational words from the Maine chapter of the American Cancer Society and our celebrity guest, we recognize the survivors in attendance. Last year there were more than 300 walkers and 40 survivors in attendance.

Then, at 2 p.m., we walk. The route winds through the beautiful tree lined streets of Damariscotta and Newcastle. The three miles are filled with emotion, jovial conversation and friendly competition. As you cross the finish line you feel a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing your donation brings hope to those diagnosed with breast cancer.

Plan to help make a difference as we make strides against breast cancer in Damariscotta on Oct. 25. For more information, visit makingstrideswalk.org/damariscottame or contact matt.kennedy@cancer.org.