“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is more than just the name of a walk; it describes the progress we’re making in the fight against breast cancer,” according to San Diego’s Breast Cancer Web site.
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is an annual event, which started in 1984 with cancer survivor Margery Gould Ruth. Ruth decided to start a walk to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society, and so the Making Strides Against Cancer walk began.
From the initial 200 walkers in Boston, it has grown to nearly 5 million in 145 communities across the United States, raising $340 million overall.
The month of October is now recognized as Breast Cancer awareness month with worldwide participation that helps raise money for breast cancer research.
In 2005, coaches Andi Milburn and LeeAnn Taylor got involved in the walk. Coach Milburn said “we wanted to do something to get the entire department involved.” After some brainstorming on ideas to raise awareness for breast cancer, it was decided to have the entire Athletics department get involved.
In light of this, it has become a discussion in the health classes offered at City College.
On Oct. 17, prior to the walk, the women of the athletics departments will gather in the Harry West Gym and spend the night in preparation for the big walk.
The evening gathering for the girls will consist of an accumulation of activities as they spend the night playing games, doing embarrassing things, eating pizza and drinking soda.
The women will spend the entire night having fun and it is possible that sleep will not be happening. This event is seen as a bonding session, as the girls get to know each other and compete in games where they would not normally get the chance to mingle.
The Saturday evening women’s only event is now in its third year, and after a busy evening which looks to last until dawn. The girls will head up to Balboa Park early Oct. 18.
“We are proud to represent our College and to help benefit this great cause,” Coach Taylor said.
While head basketball Coach Mitch Charlens was in high school, the breast cancer issue struck close to home, as his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It affects all of us and we are moved to do more and raise awareness,” Coach Charlens said.
The men’s athletic department have joined in for the past 3 years now and have helped to raise funds and work towards raising awareness, so for a third consecutive year, they will be walking with the women in the Making Strides walk. They too, will walk the 5 km walk around Balboa Park with thousands of others who are all doing their small bit to help.
In recent years the American Cancer Society has pledged to make breast cancer awareness a national issue as men are affected as a result of the cancer as well.