The success of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks depends on volunteers and community engagement. The Concord walk, led by a team of volunteer directors and supported by American Cancer Society staff, is one the most successful breast cancer walks in the nation. Thanks to the passion and determination of volunteers like Celine Boucher, Concord has earned the distinction as the top per capita fundraising event in the U.S. for the past eight years, reaching tens of thousands with a message of hope.
Boucher, recently retired from Concord Imaging Center, a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer flagship sponsor, has dedicated her time in support of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer since its beginnings in 1993. In that first year, according to Boucher, a handful of people gathered in the pouring rain to support breast cancer awareness. This year, on Sunday – rain, snow, or shine – thousands will fill Memorial Field to walk to make sure that anyone affected by this disease has a hand to hold.
“So many women are touched by breast cancer,” said Boucher, a Making Strides team captain and event leadership volunteer. “We’re here to support them with resources and services through the American Cancer Society. I’m passionate in making sure women get the help they need.”
The funds raised through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer enable the American Cancer Society to fund innovative research; provide free, information and support; and help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. That’s important to Boucher, who spent her entire career in the field of radiology.
“When women come in for a mammogram, they are always very anxious,” said Boucher. “We’re raising money to make sure they have access and resources that maybe they wouldn’t be able to afford if they were diagnosed with breast cancer.”
“As a fellow volunteer for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, it has always been inspiring to witness Celine, who dedicated her professional life to women’s health as a mammographer and to stand beside her as a volunteer at Making Strides, always with a smile on her face and a welcoming way to all,” said Kathi Russ, an American Cancer Society volunteer director.
Boucher says she’s not surprised by the growth of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Concord walk. Caring volunteer leaders introduce new and exciting initiatives every year to create an outstanding event experience and the Concord community is united in the mission to end the pain and suffering of breast cancer.
“You can feel the energy and passion people have,” said Boucher of the Making Strides of Concord walk. Men and children and survivors are all there for each other. People come together. I’m proud to be part of that continual fight.”
