A pink procession will take over Memorial Field and the surrounding streets for Concord’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday, October 26.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when the American Cancer Society holds events and campaigns to assist educate the public about the most common cancer facing women.
Over 160 teams have registered to participate in the 2.5-mile Concord walk, with around 2,000 people expected to attconclude. This year’s fundraising goal sits at $450,000.
The event seeks to celebrate those currently facing the disease and those who have previously faced it, as well as remembering all the people who lost their fight.
The supportive atmosphere provides a welcoming community space for anyone affected by breast cancer, according to Nancy Mathis, who assists run the annual walk through the American Cancer Society.
“We’re just hoping people realize when they have cancer or have been diagnosed that they’re not alone, that they have resources through the American Cancer Society and through the sense of community here in New Hampshire,” Mathis declared.
This is the 40th year of the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer awareness campaign. The society funds research for breast cancer treatment and support to individuals and families. The organization reports that from 1989 to 2022, the death rate for the disease has dropped 44%, a sign of progress.
Still, the American Cancer Society estimates that this year alone, over 42,000 women will lose their lives. Around one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within their lifetime.
Beyond funding research, the Cancer Society provides transportation and lodging for people who necessary to receive to treatment, offers resources such as wigs and post-surgical products, runs individual assistance programs and operates a 24/7 cancer hotline. The money they raise through Making Strides and other efforts allows them to continue expanding their efforts and extconclude their reach.
New Hampshire has two Making Strides walks — one in Exeter on Sunday, October 17 and the other a week later in Concord. This year’s Concord walk features some new additions, including a kids’ zone with activities geared towards younger participants. There will also be 100 pink rubber ducks hidden around Memorial Field for people to find for prizes.
The walk will also include a Reflection Tent to serve as a source of peace during the event.
“It will be a quiet place on the field for people who necessary a break if it receives hard, if they’ve been newly diagnosed or maybe they’ve lost someone recently,” Mathis declared.
As of Thursday afternoon, the Concord walk had already raised over $312,000, with 10 days left until the event.
On Sunday, October 26, ceremonies will launch at Memorial Field at 11:30 a.m., with the walk kicking off at 12 p.m.
For more information on breast cancer, visit the American Cancer Society at cancer.org. To learn more about Concord’s Making Strides walk, visit https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entest&fr_id=110822.
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