National Breast Cancer Awareness month is in full effect this October. Residents of the Tallahassee area are preparing for the 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, sponsored by The American Cancer Society.
JoAnne Suggs, event manager for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, is very excited about this years’ walk.
“It’s extremely humbling to see how supportive the city of Tallahassee is being in our efforts; so many people in the community have been reaching out,” Suggs said.
This Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Southwood Town Center, there will be a host of pink bras. This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating More Birthdays’.
Anna Morales-Black, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, feels blessed to have celebrated three birthdays since her diagnosis. She is a proud survivor of breast cancer.
“This walk brings awareness because it can happen to you, or anybody you know. Making this walk can make others’ aware,” Morales-Black said.
Suggs said the ACS is anticipating between 4,000 – 5,000 people for the 5K walk this year.
Shatera Peace, a fourth-year student, lost her mother to breast cancer last year.
“I’m very excited about this walk,” Peace said. “Walking for the cause in my mothers’ honor as well as for people fighting this disease right now means the world to me.”
There are several teams raising money throughout the Tallahassee area to contribute to the walk. There is no registration fee, so people of all ages are welcome to participate and help raise funds.
Peace encourages all who are able to participate in the walk.
“Breast cancer is an ugly disease,” Peace said. “We have to do something about it.”
Morales-Black said this month is way more than just wearing pink.
“We love seeing those wearing pink to support the cause, but we need more support than that,” said Morales-Black.
Registration and entertainment begins at noon, and the 5K-walk starts at 3 p.m. To participate as a team or an individual, or donate to a team or an individual, visit www.cancer.org.
The show is scheduled to run from October 19-23 at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday will also have an early showing at 2 p.m. General admission for adults is $12, $9 for senior citizens, $7 for children/students and FAMU students are admitted free with a valid ID.