The CDC reports more than 210,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. More than 40,000 lost their lives. As our Sarah Blazonis tells us, steps were taken toward a cure at the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund's second annual "A Run for Their Life."

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- They faced rain, wind, and chilly temperatures, but that didn't keep runners at this year's "A Run for Their Life" from racing toward the finish line.

"Somebody posted on my event that rain doesn't stop breast cancer. Breast cancer keeps going no matter what season it is, and so will the runners and so will the walkers," said Jacqueline Baldwin, Carol's granddaughter and an ambassador for the research fund.

Most came to the event in memory of a loved one. Amber Shaffer lost her aunt earlier this year.

"She was one of the most kind, generous...she had the most strength out of anyone I have ever known," said Shaffer, a Cicero resident.

Shaffer also worked to get the word out about the fourth annual Save the Peaks Event.

"Started it with Labrador Mountain as an event in honor of my Aunt Amie," said Shaffer.

Her group was one of several that set up booths at the run site to bring attention to their own causes, each rooted in the devastating illness.

The groups are selling things like bracelets, shirts, and other items with the names of their specific organizations on it, but they say when it comes down to it, it's all for the same goal.

Judy Smith is a breast cancer survivor. Her daughter, Dawn, lost her battle with the disease last year. Smith says the money her group, The Rise of Dawn, raises will go back to the research fund.

"The last five months of our daughter's life, she was put on a new treatment that had come out of research. Allowed her to have five quality months extra with her family, her son, and it was really a blessing for us. So we want to give that hope to other people," said Smith.

Baldwin says the organization doesn't mind sharing the spotlight. She says the sooner a cure is found, the sooner patients and their families can cross that finish line together.

Two thousand people took part in this year's run. Fundraising totals weren't immediately available, but the first event brought in $100,000.

For more information, visit www.findacure.org.