Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Season Kicks Off!

American Cancer Society Annual Making Strides of Central Maryland

Kick Off Saturday, Aug. 24

www.MakingStridesWalk.org/centralmd

WHAT: The kickoff celebration for the annual American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Central Maryland season. The kickoff features a lunch and program for team leaders, breast cancer survivors and caregivers, as well as a new Making Strides Bingo game with prizes. The actual Making Strides 5K walk will take place Sunday, October 20, 2019, 10 a.m. at Watkins Park in Mount Airy, Maryland. Annually, the walk attracts approximately 1,000 participants, including breast cancer survivors, caregivers, family and friends,

WHEN: Saturday, August 24, 2019, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE: Memories Charcoal House, 403 E Ridgeville Blvd, Mount Airy, Maryland 21771

WHO: Karen Laster, local breast cancer survivor, is the featured speaker at the kickoff and volunteer member for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Central Maryland.

CONTACT: Victoria Colosimo, ACS community development manager, CentralMDStrides@cancer.org or 410-933-5101 or visit www.makingstrideswalk.org

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation with more than 200 walks. Last year, more than 1.2 million participants raised more than $60 million to enable the American Cancer Society to invest in groundbreaking research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. The Society currently has more than $62 million invested in 160 breast cancer research grants and has invested more in breast cancer research than in any other cancer.

Breast Cancer Facts:

More than 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

Average risk of a woman in the U.S. getting breast cancer during her life is about 12%.

In 2019, an estimated 268,600 women in the U.S., including 5,290 in Maryland, will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

Approximately 41,760 women will die of breast cancer in the U.S. this year, including 830 in Maryland.

Breast cancer death rates have dropped by almost 40% since 1989, thanks in part to work of the American Cancer Society.

“As we join with others in the Making Strides walk, we celebrate breast cancer survivors, pay tribute to loved ones lost, and raise funds to move us one step closer to a world without breast cancer,” says Tswana Sewell, executive director for the American Cancer Society, Maryland. “From research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery, we provide support to everyone impacted by breast cancer.”

Making Strides Facts:

Making Strides raises more than $60 million for the American Cancer Society each year, with more than $935 million raised and 15 million participants for the fight against breast cancer since 1993.

ACS has played a role in nearly every major breast cancer breakthrough in recent history including lifesaving treatments such as Tamoxifen and Herceptin, discovery of the BRCA genes and establishing mammography as the standard for finding breast cancer early.

ACS is available 24 hours a day, providing valuable information, answers and emotional support for those touched by breast cancer at 1-800-227-2345.

Through their advocacy affiliate, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), the ACS works with lawmakers to increase funding for breast cancer research and ensures access to mammograms for women who need them.

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The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.