MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Submitted by ub on

The parking lot in Orchard Beach was jamming, just as if there was another free summertime salsa concert, but this time it was for a more worthy cause.

For 100 years, ACS researchers have been leading the way to transform cancer from a deadly disease to a preventable one.

Back in 1984, Massachusetts cancer survivor Margery Gould Rath wanted to find a way to celebrate fellow cancer survivors by raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Working with a committee of fellow survivors and other volunteers, "Margie" created a "move-along-a-thon" called Making Strides Against Cancer to bring people together in an event to move the fight against cancer forward. The first event, held in Boston, drew 200 participants and instantly became an annual city tradition.

Today, thousands of men and women marched on Orchard beach to lend their support to the battle against this deadly disease, which has changed many lives throughout the world.

Event organizers say that every three- to five-mile Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about steps we can take to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society lead the fight against this disease with groundbreaking breast cancer research, information and support 24-7, and access to mammograms for women who need them. Every step you take is personal, and together we are helping to finish the fight against breast cancer.

Breast cancer incidence rates increased slightly among African American women from 2006 to 2010, bringing those rates closer to the historically higher rates among white women, according to a new analysis by American Cancer Society researchers. The explanation behind the rise is unclear.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer: http://youtu.be/5408-f9UIRw via @youtube