The-Press-News.com - Participants plan on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Oct. 19

By KIMBERLY LEWIS

The Press-News

CANTON -- The Meyers Lake Ballroom was filled to capacity Aug. 13 with women and men alike, despite the 8 a.m. registration. Each person with their own story to tell -- how breast cancer changed their life.

They are joined together for a cause and are linked by common experiences. The day the words "You have breast cancer" altered their existance.

This morning, overflowing with pink ribbons and hope, is the kick off for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to be held Sunday, Oct. 19, beginning and ending at McKinley High School. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m.

According to the American Cancer Society Web site, Making Strides "is not a race; it is a celebration of survivorship, an occasion to express hope, and a shared goal to end a disease that threatens the lives of so many people we love."

This 3.1-mile, non-competitive walk honors breast cancer survivors and educates men and women about breast cancer prevention.

In 2007, more than 4,000 walkers and 300 volunteers participated in Canton's walk, raising more than $200,000.

For Dolly Kutz, the programs through the American Cancer Society were a lifesaver. With no insurance and a diagnosis of breast cancer, she did not know where to turn. She found Reach to Recovery, which gave her hope, someone who knew what she was going through and introduced her to programs which helped her. Now a Reach to Recovery volunteer, she can give hope and help to others facing a diagnosis of cancer.

"Twenty-five years ago, that was my lifesaver," said Donna Robinson, a state representative for the Reach to Recovery Program. As 25-year breast cancer survivor, "I know what they're going through. People have got to have someone they can talk to who have been there," she explained.

It is that effort to connect survivor to someone just diagnosed who can tell them what to expect and to listen to their concerns. Both Robinson and Kutz are members of the Bears For Survival, which as its fundraiser sells bears, decorated and holding a poem written by Robinson. Each bear is prayed over by the team members and is a tribute to Marcy Lou Gay, who lost her life to cancer.

Making Strides walks do not have a registration fee or minimum fundraising amount. The walks are open to men, women, and children. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer unites friends, families, and coworkers to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. Donations enable the American Cancer Society to fund breast cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer prevention and early detection information, help ensure all women have access to mammograms and follow-up care, and provide free programs and services that improve the quality of life for people facing breast cancer.

The flagship sponsors of the Canton walk in 2008 are Aultman Hospital, Diebold Inc. and Time Warner Cable.

To register or for more information about this year's walk in Canton, call Helen Stager at the American Cancer Society at 1-888-227-6446, Ext. 2208 or see the Web site at www.cancer.org/stridesonline.