Never Walk Alone With Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Significant progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer in recent years, but more work needs to be done. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States other than skin cancer, and it is the second-leading cause of cancer death after lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2016, an estimated 246,660 women and an estimated 2,600 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer. An estimated 40,890 women and an estimated 440 men will die from the disease this year.

To change these startling statistics, the American Cancer Society began Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks in 1993 as a rallying cry to build awareness and generate funds to help end the disease. Since then, more than 11 million supporters have raised more than $685 million nationwide to help the Society save lives from breast cancer. Last year, 12,000 walkers in Kansas City helped to raise more than $354,000.

“Because of the determination of Making Strides supporters, the American Cancer Society is there for people in every community affected by breast cancer, whether they’re currently dealing with a diagnosis, may face one in the future, or will avoid it altogether because of education and risk reduction,” said Julie Michael, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer community manager. “At the event, communities embrace a bittersweet mix of purpose, celebrating survivorship and paying meaningful tributes to loved ones lost. From research to education, prevention to diagnosis and treatment to recovery, we provide support to everyone impacted by breast cancer.”

Dollars raised through Making Strides walks enable the Society to fund groundbreaking breast cancer research; to provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by the disease; and to help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk of Kansas City’s proceeds fund many local programs for those affected by breast cancer, including the mentoring program Reach To Recovery, free rides to and from treatment with the Road To Recovery program, and free wig and scarf fittings at our local downtown office.

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Kansas City walk is a noncompetitive three-mile walk. Participants walk in teams or individually, and invite their friends and families to join their team and donate to their effort. Volunteers help with check-in, water stations, information and much more.

We will unite the community with a shared determination to help create a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer. Join us! ■

2016 Making Strides Walk
On October 22, participants will gather in The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Kansas City walk, a noncompetitive three-mile walk to raise awareness and funds to end breast cancer.
     
Event registration at Crown Center, 2405 Grand Blvd., starts at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9:00 a.m. Learn more and sign up to walk at www.MakingStridesWalk.org/KansasCityMO.