Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Livestream Kickoff Aug 13

Statewide Maryland Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Events Will Be Reimagined for October 2020; 3 Pinked-Out Car Parades & Virtual Activities

Largest network of breast cancer events in the US are still attacking cancer during COVID-19, which is putting a lot at risk, including the fight against breast cancer. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement will feature new celebrations that reimagine traditional Making Strides experiences.

All four Making Strides events in the Maryland will feature their own creative responses to the pandemic including virtual elements, survivor celebrations, entertainment and opportunities for teams, individuals and sponsors to come together to fight breast cancer. Pink decorated car parades will take place at Making Strides of Ocean City, Maryland on the Boardwalk, Making Strides of Central Maryland on Main Street in Mt. Airy and Making Strides of Western Maryland at Allegany College in Cumberland. The American Cancer Society has cancelled all large in-person events for the safety of the community and especially because cancer survivors may have compromised immune systems.

KICKOFF RALLY: Maryland’s Making Strides season officially begins
Thursday, August 13, 9-10 a.m.
RSVP for the kickoff at: Facebook.com/MakingStridesNortheast

OCTOBER DETAILS:
www.makingstrideswalk.org/westernmd, Saturday, October 17, 2020
featuring decorated pink car parade at Allegany College of Maryland
Facebook: @StridesWesternMD
www.makingstrideswalk.org/centralmd, Sunday, October 18, 2020
featuring decorated pink car parade on Main Street in Mt. Airy, MD.
Facebook: @StridesCentralMD
www.makingstrideswalk.org/baltimoremd, Saturday, October 24, 2020
Facebook: @MSABCBaltimore
www.makingstrideswalk.org/oceancitymd, Saturday, October 24, 2020
featuring decorated pink car parade on the Ocean City Boardwalk
Facebook: @MakingStridesOC

As a result of the pandemic, screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancer are down between 86% and 94%, according to the American Cancer Society. Studies estimate that reduced screenings, as well as delayed surgeries, failure to complete chemotherapy treatments and more, will result in nearly 34,000 excess cancer deaths due to issues caused by COVID-19.

The American Cancer Society’s work has never been more important than during this pandemic. A cancer diagnosis is one of the most challenging experiences in life. Coping with cancer during a global health crisis poses even more challenges, stress, and anxiety.

The American Cancer Society continues to provide live support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through its 1-800-227-2345 helpline, groundbreaking research, and advocacy to mitigate these unprecedented circumstances. Since the pandemic began, 70 to 80 percent of calls have been related to COVID-19. In the coming weeks and months, the Society will again be able to safely offer free lodging to cancer patients and their caregivers through the Baltimore Hope Lodge, free rides to and from cancer treatment, and free cancer screenings to the uninsured and underinsured.

With delayed cancer screenings, treatment and surgeries, it is critical for the American Cancer Society to continue to provide lifesaving services so that cancer patients have the best chance for survival.