Do marathons and walks really make a difference?

Question

Do marathons and walks really make a difference? Walks such as March of Dimes, AIDS Walk, Walk for hunger, Breast Cancer Walk et cetera.

Where does all the money go and what are the notable changes for these causes?

Answer 1

They do help actually, as long as enough people participate. The walks and marathons you mentioned will never raise enough money to eradicate the diseases they're dedicated to, that would take billions of dollars and much more research, and possibly a lift on the stem cell research ban, but they do help fund ongoing research, improve patient care and services, etc.