Susan Witwicki, Hoffman Estates: Cancer survivors walk together

When the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk started here in the Northwest suburbs, I knew I had no reason not to participate. I am a 6-year breast cancer survivor and being a part of this walk means so much to me.

I now have four granddaughters, and finding a cure is what drives me to raise more money each year. Two of my granddaughters walked with me last year and want to again this year.

Last year, I told the girls that everything would be pink and that they should wear all pink. When we got to the site, my 5-year-old granddaughter said, “Grandma, everything is not pink, the trees are still green!”

My husband joins us and it just feels awesome to be part of a great event.

I walk with a team called Fit Club. We are cancer survivors who all met more than five years ago at St. Alexius Medical Center, which had just started a program where people can be together and exercise and receive further information about diet and health. We are a very close group and support each other. It is so important to have that kind of bond and to know you’re not alone in this journey.

I have participated in all five of the walks here in the Northwest suburbs. They do a great job in organizing it and making it lots of fun.

Supporting Strides is so important to help fund research and all the wonderful help the American Cancer Society gives to anyone battling cancer.

My husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. Finding information and support is just priceless. When you need to sort out information and are looking for information you can depend on, its website at cancer.org and help lines are truly the first line of defense. Who else can answer your questions and concerns no matter what time of day it is?

Team: Fit Club

Walking in:Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Northwest Suburbs