On Saturday Oct. 21, The American Cancer Society held its annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Fifth Third Field, in order to raise awareness of Breast Cancer and to collect donations to support breast cancer research.
The walk is a three to five mile walk to help unite people including those who have been touched by breast cancer and those who want to show their love and support for those experiencing it currently. The event celebrates survivors, the diagnosed and those who passed away as a result of breast cancer.
At the event, many participants dress up in pink clothing and join in on activities like dancing and visiting booths. The event also allows participants to sign the names of loved ones on an ambulance in remembrance of their experience with breast cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society apart from skin cancer breast cancer is the most common cancer type in women. There are an estimated 255,180 new cases a year. That is 252,710 new cases in women and 2,470 new cases in men.
Stacie Horner, a nurse in the Dayton area, has attended this event many times this being her seventh year in attendance.
She says, “This event is always well planned and very informative. There is always something to learn.”
Horner’s mother is a survivor of eight years and has also had many patients fighting breast cancer.
“It brings strangers together for a bit of comfort, knowing that they are not alone,” Horner said.
Horner met a woman at the event who had been diagnosed with breast cancer the day before the event, and was able to provide advice and comfort to her.
Sebastian Tackett, a 15 year old student at Wayne High School, attended the event to honor his grandfather, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The event made my day so much better,” Tackett said.“I loved it. It gave me a sense of hope that someone could go through so much and fight so hard to survive breast cancer.”
Tackett spoke positively of his experience and hopes that attendance will continue to grow for the event next year.
“It’s a great thing to do and it makes you feel good to see all of the people who have survived and are living good lives,” Tackett said. “It’s a great environment there.”
Kelsey Fitzpatrick
Reporter