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Hope Starts Here: Why Making Strides?

Today, there are many walks to choose from and many reasons to participate. Select from the links below to learn how the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is different from other breast cancer events.

Why Making Strides

Why We Walk

Why Sponsors Choose Strides

Why Making Strides:

The American Cancer Society has been waging war against cancer for nearly a century, and our commitment to defeating the disease has never wavered. Our lifesaving efforts are funded exclusively by the generosity of donors like you. With offices in 3,400 communities across the country, we are here to help. You can reach us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for information and assistance at 1.800.ACS.2345 or www.cancer.org.

Since 1993 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has raised more than $194 million in additional funding to support the Society’s breast cancer research, education, advocacy, and service programs.

Research
The American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest nongovernmental supporter of breast cancer research. Since 1972, the Society has funded $290 million in breast cancer research grants, including grants that supported the development of tamoxifen and the discovery of the breast cancer gene. Funds raised through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer help unravel the mystery of how breast cancer begins and help us seek better ways to prevent, detect, and treat the disease.


Education
The American Cancer Society reaches thousands of women, in hundreds of communities nationwide each year with the lifesaving message that early detection can mean the difference between life and death.


Advocacy
The American Cancer Society works hard to keep breast cancer funding a top priority with our nation’s lawmakers. We helped ensure enactment of the federal Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Act to help low-income women obtain cancer treatment. We also actively advocate for any legislation that will improve the quality of treatment for breast cancer patients and the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Visit our Cancer Action Network at
www.acscan.org/makingstrides to learn more.

Patient Services
The American Cancer Society offers services to ensure that cancer patients and their loved ones do not have to face cancer alone. Reach to Recovery® pairs trained breast cancer survivors with people facing the disease to offer hope, knowledge, and emotional support. Look Good … Feel Better® offers free beauty consultations to help cancer patients restore their self-image and cope with appearance-related side effects.

Cancer Survivors NetworkSM is a web-based support service for cancer survivors, their families, caregivers and friends across the nation via www.acscsn.org.

The American Cancer Society's National Cancer Information Center is available via phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer questions about cancer, link callers with resources in their area, and provide information on local events at 1.800.ACS.2345. Additionally, the American Cancer Society Web site, www.cancer.org, provides in-depth cancer information on all major types of cancer, including breast cancer guidelines for prevention, detection and treatment, clinical trials, programs and services for patients, myths surrounding breast cancer, and information about genetic testing.

Now that you've learned Why Making Strides is different, sign up to use the online fundraising site!

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Why We Walk:

"I benefited a lot throughout my chemo from many American Cancer Society programs (like Look Good…Feel Better and Reach to Recovery) and from many medical advancements made possible through fundraising. But if I can help my sisters avoid having to go through chemo, that will be the best way I'm helping through walking in Making Strides!"
Julie, Ohio

"For years I'd known about the American Cancer Society, but it wasn't until my sister got breast cancer that I learned about everything the organization does. Walking in Making Strides and supporting the organization that helped our entire family get through this tough time was the least I could do."
Susan, Oregon

"I'm alive and my life has been so intense since having a mastectomy. I have never enjoyed life as much as I do now, and I want everyone to know that a diagnosis is NOT the end. For me it was the beginning of a wonderful journey that continues on with every breath I take!"
Laura, New York

“As a man with breast cancer, there are other issues to face. At some point, research will help find a cure. Each day, in every way, I am better and better! I know the American Cancer Society does amazing work, and I'm just glad I'm around to give back.”
Marshall, Kentucky

"My goal was to raise $2000 in memory of the year I was diagnosed. I exceeded my goal and raised $3350 and just hit my sixth year of being breast cancer-free! I'll walk in Making Strides until there's a cure!"
Lisa, Massachusetts

"This experience has strengthened my family. My husband Tony and I have always had a strong faith in God and have consistently worked at instilling good values into our sons. I am so proud that my sons and my daughter-in-law, and my husband will be part of my team in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in October."
Diane, Rhode Island

"In 2004, I participated with a friend who had a team. In February of 2005, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided to form my own team. I had 15 friends and family join me and it was an amazing experience. I plan to walk every year until there is no more breast cancer."
Darrie, Georgia

"I want to give support to breast cancer survivors, women who may develop breast cancer, and the families who have lost loved ones to breast cancer. Walking and raising money for research is the least I can do."
Phillip, New York

Now that you've learned Why We Walk, join us in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer!

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Why Sponsors Choose Making Strides:

“Kroger is a proud partner with the American Cancer Society and has been for almost a decade. In the Cincinnati/Dayton Kroger Marketing area, one of our single largest contributions is to the American Cancer Society.During this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, a team of walkers from The Kroger Company will be inspired by the memory of Judy Hall, a dear colleague who lost her fight with breast cancer in early 2005. This year, we will dedicate each and every stride to Judy and all those who suffer today because of this disease”
Kroger, Ohio

"BellSouth is proud to be a flagship sponsor of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Our corporate commitment to fighting cancer involves not only a corporate donation, but also the commitment of our people. More than 200 BellSouth employees will be at Atlantic Station to walk. BellSouth is proud to be a leader in the fight against breast cancer, and I am proud of the commitment of our employees to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer."
BellSouth, Atlanta

“Hood is pleased to partner with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. For more than 150 years, Hood has remained committed to educating consumers about the importance of proper nutrition and exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Breast cancer affects millions of people, and we’re proud to help increase awareness of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event and the American Cancer Society. We look forward to leading a charge of walkers in October."
HP Hood, Boston

"Unfortunately SHPS, like many other companies, has associates currently battling breast cancer. Making Strides not only gives us an opportunity to come together as a team to show our support for our co-workers but it also gives us a venue to fight this disease."
SHPS, Kentucky

Now that you've learned Why Sponsors Choose Making Strides, sign up to use the online fundraising site!

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