Mark your calendars for August’s exciting and inspirational 2023 Kickoff Celebration of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pensacola.
“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is more than just a walk, it’s a movement,” said Melanie Row, senior development manager of the American Cancer Society/Southeast Region. “Every October, we gather the Pensacola Community in the fight against breast cancer to help raise awareness and funds.”
The 2023 goal is $290,000, according to Row.
“Because of the generosity of the Pensacola community, patients who would not have access to care can have rides to their lifesaving treatment with our Road to Recovery Program,” she explained. “Breast cancer patients can join our Reach to Recovery Program where they are connected with a breast cancer survivor and receive support, understanding and hope.”
None of this would be possible without the Pensacola community.
“I can’t say thank you enough to the volunteers and community for the continued support,” Row said. “It’s because of you that lives are being saved!”
Baptist Health Care is the premier sponsor of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pensacola, a volunteer-led organization. With Angela Lane at the helm as event chair, anyone can join the volunteer committee and assist in planning events.
“I have been involved with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for fifteen years,” Lane said. “I started as a participant to help raise awareness. I lost a grandmother to breast cancer when I was just seven years old. It has always troubled me. I always felt like I wanted to do more and to be more involved with helping others facing losing their loved ones to this dreaded disease.”
She jumped at the chance to help.
“I went from walking in support to joining committees and volunteering for several years, and then ten years ago became a captain and began building a team,” Lane said. “Four years ago, I added event chair to my role as well.”
Lane strongly believes that raising awareness helps saves lives.
“The funds raised by Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are working to find new treatments, new procedures, to help with care of those facing their diagnosis and someday… yes, one day, find a cure,” Lane said.
Get more information about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pensacola events, volunteering, sponsorships and clubs at makingstrideswalk.org/pensacolafl.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Aug. 24: Kickoff Celebration, Sanders Beach, 913 South I St.; RSVP to Melanie Row at melanie.row@cancer.org.
Oct. 13: Survivor Luncheon, Pensacola Yacht Club, 1897 Cypress St; one caregiver can join a survivor; register online at makingstrideswalk.org/pensacolafl.
Oct. 28: Annual 5K, Seville Square; a non-competitive event open to indiiduals and teams. Register online at makingstrideswalk.org/pensacolafl.
Questions? Contact Melanie Row at melanie.row@cancer.org or 850-407-4735.
