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20th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer set for Oct. 13

October 12, 2018
The Michigan State Capitol on July 3, 2018.
The Michigan State Capitol on July 3, 2018. —
Photo by Annie Barker | The State News

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is hosting its 20th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at the state Capitol this Saturday, Oct. 13. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m and walking begins at 11 a.m.

Prior registration is unnecessary as participants can register for free upon arrival.

The 5K and one-mile walk will begin on Capitol Avenue. The one-mile route will loop around Reutter Park and back to the Capitol. 5K walkers will continue around Constitution Hall, through the Hall of Justice and down Ottawa Street before returning to the Capitol according to Katie Jones, senior community development manager at ACS.

At the end of the walk, snacks and water will be provided by Kroger. Post-walk activities will include Zumba, a photo booth, a survivors' tent, giveaways and a performance by the Grand Ledge High School Pompon club.

The walk unites cancer survivors, community members and corporate supporters to raise money for cancer research and awareness, ACS communications director Amanda Bosherz said.

“It really enables our work in research and providing support services for patients and providing awareness and reducing people's risk of breast cancer,” she said. “It’s all about bringing everyone together.”

Registered participants can donate to the ACS to help provide patients with access to care programs and services, Bosherz said. Some programs include Road to Recovery, which provides patients with transportation, and Hope Lodge, a place to stay for traveling patients.

Donations "also help us ensure that breast cancer is a top priority among our Michigan and national lawmakers, and helps provide things like ... mammograms for women who don't have healthcare,” she said.

Jones began as an ACS volunteer and has participated in Making Strides since 2010. 

“I've seen the impact in the community and the stories people share with you and the support the survivors and the caregivers feel,” Jones said. “It's just an amazing event to be a part of.”

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