MANSFIELD, Ohio – One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, the second leading cause of death among women. One local group is raising money to battle the disease. “Most of us know someone who has experienced breast cancer,” said Kevin Burke, co-chair of Mansfield’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Making Strides is a non-competitive 5K walk being held in over 300 communities across the nation each year sponsored by the American Cancer Society. Mansfield’s fourth annual walk will be held on Oct. 17 at the Richland Carrousel Park.
Donations go toward research to “find, prevent, treat and cure the disease.” Burke noted that the fundraiser also supports “fantastic programs” provided by the American Cancer Society.
Making Strides is working to raise money for the cause all year long. Their goal is to raise $46,300 in donations this year, according to Making Strides Community Manager Terri Kangas. So far the group has raised $1,300 through fundraising activities.
Last year Making Strides received $39,888.71, largely raised by the 788 registered walkers in the 5K. The Making Strides committee said they are thankful for the support provided by the Mansfield and Richland County community. They hope this year will be the “most successful year in the fight against breast cancer.”
To get ready for the 5K the organization is sponsoring a breakfast on Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Startek.
“We are inviting anyone who is passionate about the subject of breast cancer and would like to learn more about our event,” said Kangas. Startek and MedCentral Health are this year’s “flagship” sponsors of the 5K.
Organizers hope that more walkers will lead to more donations to go toward services for those battling cancer and potential breakthroughs in curing the disease.
Local Making Strides co-chair Jeannine Lemus noted that committee members contribute over 100 hours a year.
Making Strides was founded by Massachusetts cancer survivor Margery Gould Rath as a way to recognize cancer survivors and raise money for the American Cancer Society. The first walk was held in Boston with 200 participants. It became an official American Cancer Society event in 1993. Since then over 10 million walkers have raised nearly $600 million.
For more information regarding the kickoff breakfast contact Kangas at 888-227-6446 ext. 3214 or email Terri.Kangas@cancer.org. To sign up and participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Oct. 17, visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/mansfield.
