Imagine crossing the finish line of a five mile walk, an arc of pink and white balloons hanging over head, groups of cheering supporters huddled around ready to great you as you run past. Everyone is smiling, clapping, and singing out in support of all those passing by. The air is full of hope and encouragement.
This is how those who participated in the American Cancer Society sponsored race, “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer”, were greeted on Saturday at LP Field in Nashville. The chilly atmosphere did not damper the attitudes of the 15,000 people who attended the walk.
According to the ACS, breast cancer will affect over 192,000 women in the United States this year; 4,000 of those women will be from Tennessee. More than 40,000 women will die of breast cancer this year, including 910 from Tenn.
Breast cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer among women.
Though men are not diagnosed with breast cancer often, the ACS says that it can happen. Over 1,000 men have been diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 440 of those will die of the disease.
These statistics represent why this annual and national walk is so important. It raises thousands of research dollars for finding a cure for breast cancer. It is also used to educate people on what steps they can take to prevent the disease, encourage lawmakers to pass laws that will help beat cancer, advocating the cause to all communities so that others will join the fight, and to help comfort those who are going through the process.
The walk was five miles through downtown Nashville. There wasn’t a set pace for the walkers; they could go at their own speed, taking as long as needed.
The point of the walk was not to win, but to celebrate the courage and strength the disease takes to beat for those infected and for the loved ones surrounding them.
Jacquelyn Poarch, employee of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, showed her support for friends, three who had already survived the disease, by walking on Saturday.
“It’s the least I can do with all they’ve been through,” Poarch said.
This event was sponsored by major companies like Bridgestone, O’Charleys, Sam’s Club, and Kroger.
For information about breast cancer, more details on what can be done to prevent, or if you would like to make a contribution then visit their website at http://main.acsevents.org.
MTSU makes 'Strides Against Breast Cancer'
Published: Saturday, October 31, 2009
Updated: Saturday, October 31, 2009
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