The ACS Remains United in the Fight to Defeat Breast Cancer

Cancer hasn’t stopped, and neither has the American Cancer Society. Although events look different this year, we remain united in our mission: to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

This fall, the American Cancer Society will continue Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. While we will not be gathered by the thousands, thousands of committed volunteers, survivors and caregivers will make strides against the disease in their communities. As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our cancer survivors, supporters, volunteers, and staff, Making Strides events in Virginia will not host traditional, large-scale in-person events this year. Instead, whether we’re walking with our families around our neighborhoods or friends at our favorite parks, we will not stop walking toward a world without breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society is encouraging everyone to participate in “Making Strides in Your Community,” a local initiative in which participants pledge to walk a chosen number of miles either throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or the weekend of Oct. 17-18, and to solicit donations for each mile walked. Supporters can then join a national virtual celebration – “Strides Live Across America” – at noon on Oct. 18 to celebrate making strides toward a world without breast cancer.

Tribute Gardens provide an opportunity to make a dedication to a loved one lost, someone currently battling breast cancer, or to someone who has overcome their cancer. Your tribute may be personalized with the name of the honoree on a sign or pink pinwheel. Make a donation today, and your loved one's tribute will be displayed in our garden.

“Each year, Making Strides brings our community together to celebrate survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and raise funds for education, patient support and research,” said Michele Couch, Virginia Area Executive Director for the American Cancer Society. “Even though this year we’ll be apart, we would like to thank all of the virtual event participants for uniting with us to defeat breast cancer.”

Although Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will look different, we continue to make strides. This year, about 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. About 42,170 women and 520 men will die from breast cancer.

COVID-19 is having a significant and negative impact on the fight against cancer. Seventy-nine percent of cancer patients in active treatment report delays in care due to COVID-19. Earlier this summer, the director of the National Cancer Institute predicted the number of people who will die from breast or colorectal cancer in the U.S. will increase by nearly 10,000 over the next decade because of delayed screenings, treatments and halted research caused by the pandemic.

“These extraordinary times have only amplified the importance of ACS’ mission,” said Channing Pfeiffer, Virginia Area volunteer board chairperson. “We are excited to bring the community together to support that mission in a new, virtual way. While the means may have changed, our commitment remains – all of us are Making Strides to end breast cancer.”

To register or learn more about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events in Virginia, visit:

• Hampton Roads - www.makingstrideswalk.org/hamptonroadsva
• Peninsula - www.makingstrideswalk.org/peninsulava
• Richmond - www.makingstrideswalk.org/richmondva

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 cancer.org.