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Summary
Annual Breast Cancer Awareness races and walks have gone virtual this year due to the pandemic
American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will be held between October 1st and October 17th
Susan G. Komen Hawaii’s Race for the Cure will be held on October 11th
Every year, awareness events play an important role in supporting the breast cancer community. Often in the forms of walks or races, these events provide a sense of community for all those touched by breast cancer, as well as help raise funds for lifesaving innovative research and patient support programs. Modified versions of both the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, and Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure, are being held in the month of October. Virtual alternatives have made these events especially accessible this year. We are excited to provide details on how readers like you can get involved!
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
The American Cancer Society has funded an extensive array of medical research and patient support programs. The funds from their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks (MSABC), go toward groundbreaking breast cancer research, as well as patient programs such as free rides to treatment, housing near treatment centers, and a 24/7 cancer helpline. The American Cancer Society has emphasized that the need for support is ongoing, and their progress towards finding a cure for cancer cannot be paused.
While MSABC as a whole will continue from October 1st to October 16th, there are a few important things to remember. October 10th will be “Pink Swag Day,” when participants can text “strides oahu” to 69922 for the opportunity to receive 10 surprise items! By signing up to participate and donate $35, participants will receive a list of three businesses in their area that have been impacted by COVID-19. By walking to those businesses and recording their steps, participants can earn a prize! Prizes earned throughout the event will be distributed on the 17th. The more steps participants accumulate over two weeks, the better the prize will be!
Breast cancer isn't cancelled and our mission to save lives isn't cancelled.
Virtual Race for the Cure
Another upcoming event is the 2020 Komen Hawaii Virtual Race for the Cure. Funds from the race are allocated toward important services for those in need, including Komen Hawaii’s Treatment Assistance Program, Komen’s Breast Cancer and Clinical Trial Helpline, and support and advocacy resources for patients. “Breast cancer isn't cancelled and our mission to save lives isn't cancelled. Komen Hawaii remains committed to doing whatever it takes to save lives by supporting those most vulnerable within the breast cancer community,” highlighted Kat Young, Chairwoman of Komen Hawaii Race for the Cure.
Here are some words from a participant who was diagnosed with Stage 1B breast cancer this past March, Samantha Spain: “Since this is my first time participating, I love the idea of doing it virtually— this is a great way to expand the reach and hopefully increase participation.” Spain added that she was excited for the opportunity to participate from wherever she wanted. Komen Hawaii is encouraging participants to race where they are and share their experiences on social media, while practicing social distancing. The event will take place on Sunday, October 11th. The virtual opening ceremony, which will include inspirational stories from those touched by breast cancer, will be at 9:00 AM. Steps may be tracked in the new Race for the Cure mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play Store.
In summary, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will provide participants with step and donation goals from October 1st to the 17th. The 2020 Komen Hawaii Virtual Race for the Cure will be on October 11th, and participants should race safely where they are while tracking their steps in the Race for the Cure app. Both events encourage participants and teams to get creative in fundraising, including via social media platforms such as Facebook. Representatives of both organizations underlined the need for continued support, innovation, and a feeling of togetherness. Please refer to the links below for up-to-date information and to sign up for these worthwhile events. Your participation is greatly appreciated!
Links
Julia Tefft is an intern at Breast Cancer Hawaii. She is a junior at Kalani High School and a member of the club, HOSA: Future Health Professionals. While she aspires to work as a nurse or a similar helping career in the medical field, she enjoys writing and dedicating her free time toward other projects she is passionate about.