Local Breast Cancer Walk Nets $43,000

DANBURY — An estimated 600 breast cancer survivors, friends, family, and supporters gathered October 22 at Danbury Fair Mall to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer at the inaugural Danbury American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Walkers followed the 3.1-mile route along the parameter of the mall to proudly honor breast cancer survivors and fondly remember those who have lost their lives to the disease.           

Dollars raised from Making Strides are used by the society to fuel the most promising research, to spread lifesaving breast cancer awareness messages, to advocate for screening opportunities for all people, and to ease the cancer burden for people facing the disease. Because breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families need emotional and physical support, the American Cancer Society offers programs such as Reach to Recovery, a one-on-one program that pairs patients and survivors for support and advice. Also, the society sponsors Look Good…Feel Better, which teaches cancer patients hands-on cosmetic techniques to help them cope with appearance-related side effects from chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Making Strides is the nation’s oldest and largest one-day breast cancer fundraiser, and is the American Cancer Society’s signature event during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Fairfield County is the home to two Making Strides events this year, the event Danbury and Westport on October 22, which raised more than $500,000.

“Making Strides is for every person diagnosed or who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in Connecticut this year,” says Michelle Wolf, area director of Cancer Control. The society estimates 2,600 Connecticut residents will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in 2006 and 212,920 throughout the United States.

A complimentary breakfast reception for survivors, complete with table linens and flora was held prior to the walk. According to Ms Wolf, 40 breast cancer survivors participated in the reception. “Pink leis were given out to survivors and proudly worn throughout the event,” she added.

According to American Cancer Society statistics, every three minutes a woman in the United States learns she has breast cancer. In addition:

éBreast Cancer accounts for nearly one out of three cancer diagnoses among women in the United States.

éAn estimated 212,920 US women will develop breast cancer this year and sadly, nearly 41,000 will die.

é In Connecticut, 2,600 individuals will develop breast cancer this year.

é Some 500 Connecticut residents will die from breast cancer this year.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives from cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service. Additional donations for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer can be submitted online at www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast cancer and other cancers, call the American Cancer  Society call 800-ACS-2345.