Roughly every 2 minutes a woman in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a nationally known organization that has been hosting walk-a-thons throughout the country for over 25 years to raise money and awareness about breast cancer.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks were created by the American Cancer Society to unite survivors and supporters throughout the community by honoring those affected by the disease and raising money to assist with the hassle of breast cancer. It is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation. The fundraising walks support breast cancer research, free rides to chemo, places to stay during treatment for free and a 24/7 cancer helpline, according the American Cancer Society.
This past Sunday, breast cancer survivors, their families and supporters flooded Cascades Park wearing pink and showing their support for the cause. Over 750 survivors and supporters were in attendance in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Leon. Team Leon has raised over $75,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Ann Taylor, one of the event’s facilitators, has been part of the organization for 13 years. When asked what got her initially involved with the organization, she said, “My best friend in college was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy and I was her caretaker.”
Although only affecting 1 percent of the population, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. A man’s risk of developing breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000 in the U.S..
Adam Collins, a Tallahassee native was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago and continues to show his support of the cause. “Many men don’t know that breast cancer doesn’t just affect women but men also,” he said. “When I found out that I had cancer I was shocked to find out that it was found in my breast tissue.”
Organizations similar to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are bringing support and awareness to breast cancer and have all contributed to the increase in diagnosis and breast cancer treatment. Early detection, new personalized approach to treatment and better clarity of the disease have contributed to the increased number of breast cancer survivors, according to the American Cancer Society.