On the morning of Sunday, October 12, thousands of people will gather at the Mall of America in Bloomington to stand together—and then walk together—in the fight against breast cancer.
“This is a movement cross the US. We are just one of 150 such walks happening across the country this October,” said Maryann Malec, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society North Region. “We are thankfully inside the Mall of America, so we don’t have to brave the elements of the rain or the snow or—who knows! We will have wonderful weather inside.”
The annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancers is the number one breast cancer fundraiser in the US. There will be a daylong schedule of events connected to the October 11 Making Strides event at the Mall of America beginning with the traditional walk that goes from 7:30 to 9:30.
“The whole day is family friendly, welcoming for everyone who is along with survivors on their cancer journey. Whether they were recently diagnosed, going through the treatment now or are done with treatment, it’s for everybody and also for families and caregivers. We will recognize them in a special way,” Malec added.
Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Strides Against Breast Cancer aims to help fund a future without breast cancer as we know it. Dollars raised at the Mall of America walk will fund lifesaving research, help ACS provide free mammograms through a partnership of the Minnesota Department of Health SAGE program, and much more.
“We also provide patient support,” Malec said. “Our program Road to Recovery is, if a patient needs to go to treatment and doesn’t have a ride, we have these wonderful volunteer drivers who will come to their house, pick them up and take them to their appointments, free of charge.”
There will also be resources for cancer patients, with representatives from 16 local and national non-profits specializing in cancer assistance for those in every phase of their cancer journey.
Educational and informational panels are also on tap. Broadcaster, podcaster and community activist Sheletta Brundidge will moderate a panel on racial health gaps, with experts who will explore the unequal impact of breast cancer on Black women to raise awareness that Black women die at higher rates than white women.
For information and to get involved with Making Strides go here.
For questions about breast cancer, the American Cancer Society can provide information and resources for you or a loved one at the website here, or with a phone call to 1-800-227-2345.