Breast cancer survivors to ‘Make Strides’ with walks

They’ve cooked hundreds of cupcakes for bake sales. Others have washed dozens of cars. And on Sunday, participants in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks at Cantigny Park in Wheaton and the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora will donate the proceeds from their hard work to fight breast cancer.

The 5Ks are part of a nationwide effort and are among seven walks happening throughout the state Sunday, Oct. 16. This month, as part of breast cancer awareness month, a total of 16 Making Strides walks are happening in Illinois.

Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society’s programs for breast cancer prevention, treatment, patient services and research to find cures. Last year, more than 800,000 walkers across the country raised more than $60 million through Making Strides events.

Some participants — especially corporate or church teams — work for weeks in advance to meet their donation goals. Others, said American Cancer Society Spokeswoman Michelle Blose, come simply to honor loved ones or celebrate their own survival from the disease.

“I think it gives everyone an opportunity to fight back against breast cancer,” she said.

But the event is so much more than just a walk on Cantigny’s garden grounds or a stroll through the mall, added Blose. Making Strides offers pre-walk activities, gifts for breast cancer patients, entertainment, fellowship groups, expo tents, and boutiques that sell pink items to benefit the society.

“It’s not just a register-and-walk, but it’s a whole experience that morning,” Blose said. “We want to encourage people to bring families, bring friends or bring someone who has never been along to come and check it out.”