Please join us Oct. 20 to experience a most powerful and extraordinary day. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a fundraising walk for the American Cancer Society.
It is a time to spend a beautiful New Hampshire fall day with your family and friends while supporting an important cause. It is a day our community comes together to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, remember those whose lives have been silenced by breast cancer and to raise funds so that the American Cancer Society can continue critical lifesaving research to ‘Finish the Fight’ and end cancer. It can be an emotional day for anyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer. For me personally, it is a time to reflect on a life-changing experience and to enjoy the support and camaraderie of those around me.
The American Cancer Society has been a meaningful part of my life for the past eight years, first as a recipient of the programs and services at a time in my life when it made a difference. A diagnosis of cancer and six months of treatments can be a scary time, but being immersed in these programs and meeting others in the midst of a similar journey provided education and much needed support.
My involvement with the American Cancer Society continued as a volunteer for the Reach to Recovery program. Through this program a newly-diagnosed person is matched up with a survivor volunteer who experienced a similar diagnosis. Having been through this journey helped me to provide support and understanding one on one with newly diagnosed.
Since 2006, I have been Team Captain of the Making Strides team “Healing Hearts.” Healing Hearts is a group of women and their families who share a common experience – the diagnosis of breast cancer. We are part of a support group where the friendships made are friends for life. Through my involvement and experiences with the American Cancer Society, every person I meet, every cancer diagnosis I hear about and every loss of life – my passion for this cause grows. This passion has somehow enabled a voice and a determination I’ve never realized before – which brought me to the dedicated and passionate Making Strides Against Breast Cancer committee. I have the honor of being the 2013 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer volunteer chairwoman.
Cancer is a family experience. This year, with my family by my side, we will enjoy the healing and strength of other survivors, families and friends. I will proudly walk in the survivor procession with my fellow cancer survivors and will beam with pride as I stand for the survivor photo. Together, with families and friends, we will celebrate that most precious gift – the gift of another year.
Come and embrace a pink Memorial Field, a field that is filled with hope. Experience Making Strides – and feel inspired.
