Breast cancer walk on Oct. 16 at Cantigny

Area residents can help raise money for breast cancer research and to support those facing the disease during the American Cancer Society's annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, Oct. 16, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

Registration for this noncompetitive event begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk steps off at 9 a.m.

Dollars raised by Making Strides supporters help the American Cancer Society ensure no one faces breast cancer alone by funding breast cancer research; promoting education and risk reduction; and providing comprehensive patient support to those who need it most.

Since 1993, more than 12 million supporters have raised more than $750 million nationwide. Last year, 3,700 walkers in DuPage County help raise more than $267,000.

According to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2016, an estimated 246,660 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,450 will die from the disease this year.

"Because of the determination of Making Strides supporters, the American Cancer Society is there for people in every community affected by breast cancer, whether they're currently dealing with a diagnosis, may face one in the future, or will avoid it altogether because of education and risk reduction," said Jamie Staab, Strides event coordinator. "At the event, communities embrace a bittersweet mix of purpose - celebrating survivorship and paying meaningful tributes to loved ones lost. From research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery, we provide support to everyone impacted by breast cancer."

To learn more about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event and how to become involved, visit makingstrideswalk.org/dupageil or contact Jamie Staab at (630) 932-1151 or jamie.staab@cancer.org.