The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a movement to unite communities supporting the survivors and warriors who have battled breast cancer. Making Strides is the world’s largest and most effective breast cancer awareness movement. This organization is all about hope, unity, love, and support throughout the entire world. Apart from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women, not just in the U.S., but all around the world. The movement started in 1993, and throughout the years has become widely popular all across the globe, including participants of any age. While the organization was created many years ago, there are still many people who choose to participate in events this year.
Senior Destiny Sandoval is a student at Shadow Ridge High School who placed 25th in her very first non-competitive 5 mile walkathon in Las Vegas on October 19th, 2024.
Sandoval states, “The thing that motivates the breast cancer walks is giving people strength in numbers.”
The walks and fundraisers all show every person who has survived, or even lost their battle to breast cancer, an overwhelming amount of support and love.
“Knowing that other people are fighting with them is what it means to support them,” says Sandoval.
These walks don’t help support just people who have battled breast cancer, but family members of those who have battled breast cancer. 13%, or 313,000 of the U.S. population has or will develop breast cancer in the span of their lifetimes. That is a 1 in 8 chance of getting breast cancer, but there is also a 91.2% survival rate, according to Cancer.org.
According to Sandoval, “My grandmother had breast cancer, so it meant a lot to me.”
Having a family member, friend, or a loved one diagnosed with breast cancer contributes to most emotional and behavioral challenges for children and youth.
“It meant a lot to me to support all the other women who go through it as well,” said Sandoval.
Signing up for the next event coming up is very easy, and the step by step guide can be found on their website. A typical walk is 3-5 miles, and registration fees vary depending on the location of the event. All funds donated to The American Cancer Society go toward patient support, research, and education and prevention. While the funds are highly appreciated, they’re not required in order to participate in an event. Getting involved in events held by not just The American Cancer Society, but many other organizations, is a great way to show support and love for survivors, warriors, and family members all across the world.
