A pink procession will take over Memorial Field and the surrounding streets for Concord’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, October 25.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when the American Cancer Society holds events and campaigns to help educate the public about the most common cancer facing women.
Over 140 teams have registered to participate in the 2.5-mile Concord walk. This year’s fundraising goal sits at $400,000.
The event seeks to celebrate those currently facing the disease and those who have previously faced it, as well as remembering all the people who lost their fight.
One of the most powerful things about Making Strides is seeing people come together to support one another,” shared Nancy Mathis and Nicole Jorgensen, Senior Managers of the event. “Whether someone is newly diagnosed, in treatment, a survivor, a thriver, caregiver, or supporting a loved one, we want them to know they are not alone. There is a strong community here in New Hampshire and through the American Cancer Society there are resources, support, and people ready to walk alongside them every step of the way.”
The supportive atmosphere provides a welcoming community space for anyone affected by breast cancer, according to Mathis.
This is the 41st year of the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer awareness campaign. The society funds research for breast cancer treatment and support to individuals and families. The organization reports that from 1989 to 2022, the death rate for the disease has dropped 44%, a sign of progress.
Still, the American Cancer Society estimates that around one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within their lifetime.
Beyond funding research, the Cancer Society provides transportation and lodging for people who need to get to treatment, offers resources such as wigs and post-surgical products, runs individual assistance programs and operates a 24/7 cancer hotline. The money they raise through Making Strides and other efforts allows them to continue expanding their efforts and extend their reach.
Survivor Jennifer Silverman shared more about her experiences:
“13 years ago, after having been diagnosed with breast cancer and having successfully finished my treatment, I realized I could use my experience to help others going through the cancer journey. So in October of 2013, I attended my first Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. It was healing to be around so many survivors, people still fighting and the amazing volunteers. Since then, I’ve been supporting the walk every year. I’m proud to be a pacesetter (raised $2500+) for the second time!
I am very passionate about this cause, so when Nancy Mathis from the American Cancer Society (ACS) reached out to me about joining the planning committee, I jumped at the opportunity! Nobody really knows how much goes into these events and how tirelessly the ACS team works until you get to see it firsthand. I’m happy to be a part of it! ACS has so many amazing people & volunteers doing things that help people like me get through one of the scariest times of life! I look forward to walking with all the survivors & thrivers again this year. Every year I get emotional and know how fortunate I am to be a part of this!”
The schedule:
10:00 a.m. – Event Opens
* New This Year – Caregiver Tent sponsored by the Elliot Hospital, Previvor Tent
* Visit Sponsor tents on the field – Concord Imaging Center, Chevy, Dartmouth Cancer Center, and Catholic Medical Center Breast Care Center
11:30 a.m.
* Opening Ceremonies
* Presentation of Colors
* National Anthem
11:45 a.m.
* Survivor & Thriver Procession
* Survivor & Thriver Group Photo
12:00 p.m.
* Ribbon Cutting
* Walk Begins