Jennifer McDermott, Evanston: ‘My main reason for walking is my 11-year-old daughter’

My main reason for walking in Making Strides is my 11-year-old daughter. Both my grandmothers and two of my aunts had breast cancer.

I want a cure found so that, as she grows up, she never will have to worry about being next. This is my chance to help change lives.

I am excited about partnering with the American Cancer Society so that together we can find a cure for breast cancer. I want to help American Cancer Society toward making a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays. Anyone can walk at Making Strides — a person can make a difference in just one morning.

My team is mostly school families and parishioners from St. Joan of Arc School and Parish, in addition to some of my family and friends.

All these people helped me on my journey. Another mother at our school just started chemo recently and everyone is rallying around her. It’s an amazing community!

I got involved with Strides because I wanted to give back and I realized ACS has done the most with its funds to fight this disease. It is my second year and I have taken a leadership role on the Strides council.

Team:St. Joan of Arc School and Parish

Walking in: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer North Shore