By Gina Martinez
The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Queens held a breakfast Aug. 11 at Terrace on the Park in Corona to kick off preparations for its annual Queens walk. The walk’s main purpose is to raise awareness and funds to combat breast cancer.
Making Strides is the largest network of breast cancer events in the country. Every October, breast cancer awareness month, Making Strides holds noncompetitive walks that stretch up to five miles in cities all over the United States. The walk is open to anyone and depends on donations from participants, corporations and community sponsors. Walkers can participate individually or with teams.
Queens will host its walk at Flushing Meadows Corona Park Oct. 16. The walk is a huge community affair, with thousands of men and women dressing in pink, the color of the international ribbon for breast cancer.
Since 1993, over 12 million walkers have raised more than $750 million. Those donations have gone towards promoting early detection, supporting patients with the breast cancer through multiple programs and investing in breast cancer research.
The kickoff breakfast was attended by both sponsors and survivors, who gathered to talk about their experience with breast cancer and what the organization has been able to do for them and their families.
Queens Village resident Cheryl Lowe attended the event. She began walking for her aunt and when she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, she continued to walk. She looks at the walk not just as a way to raise awareness and money but as an opportunity to be around others who understand the struggle of the disease and build a community of friends.
“When we’re out there, we have a great time and there’s a lot of people with costumes and different teams and we just have a lot of fun,” she said. “It gives you a minute to not really think about it, but to just enjoy the day and be with other people who are a part of that community and just to share and thank God that we’re here for another year to be able to do this and go out. Along with raising money, we get to just network and enjoy it.”
To sign up for the walk visit makin
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