Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is an American Cancer Society group devoted to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and raising funds for cancer research. This weekend, a noncompetitive 5K attracted participants from Richland County who have survived breast cancer or knew a survivor.
The American Cancer Society is the highest non-profit fundraiser for cancer research. Last year, the Making Strides event in Mansfield raised nearly $25,000.
Joelle Kluck is the granddaughter of a 16-year survivor of breast cancer and Making Stride’s coordinator. She said her grandmother’s death, which occurred earlier this year, gave her job a whole new meaning.
“When she was diagnosed 16 years ago, they gave her six months to live. But she lived for 16 years. She was the reason I took this job: It’s something I believe in. It has a whole new meaning to me now that she passed away,” stated Kluck.
This year’s event was the second annual Making Strides in Mansfield and its flagship sponsors included MedCentral and Graham Auto Mall. To be a flagship sponsor, $2,500 in funds needed to be raised and a minimum of 75 people registered. MedCentral registered 153 people for the race and Graham gathered 75.
The rain and cold weather did not deter participation. There were upwards of 700 participants who registered for the 5K’s route through downtown Mansfield. Funds are still being counted.
The participants started walking or running at 10 a.m. and some of the runners finished in less than 20 minutes. The race started on the Walnut Street side of the Carrousel and ended on the Main Street side. Some participants were easily spotted with pink breast cancer support clothing.
Sandy Plew, a breast cancer survivor of 21 years, supported the cause by volunteering under the “survivor tent.” This group of women were responsible for handing out support bags, lending a listening ear for other survivors, and handing out a handmade quilt to a participant at the end of the race.
The quilt was made up of a collection of fabric squares, each with a personalized message aimed at encouraging survivors or those who have lost loved ones. One square was inscribed, “You gotta fight for your right to parrrrrrty.”
To make a charitable donation, visit American Cancer Society’s website. Learn about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by clicking here.
