Thousands of women and men across Michiana will unite in their fight against breast cancer during the American Cancer Society’s annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Saturday, October 11 at Howard Park in South Bend.

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has been the American Cancer Society’s rallying cry to raise awareness and money to fight breast cancer. In that time, 4 million walkers have raised more than $280 million through Making Strides.

This community-based fundraiser also serves as a way for the community to be aware of ways they can play a role in making cancer a number one priority with lawmakers.

As the country wrestles with how to improve health care in America during the 2008 election, the American Cancer Society’s aggressive public awareness campaign, Access to Care, seeks to provide access to health care for all Americans, including those who are uninsured and underinsured.

Making Strides is a noncompetitive walk supporting the American Cancer Society’s unique mission to fight cancer on four fronts: research, education, advocacy, and patient services.

The American Cancer Society uses the dollars raised through Making Strides events to fund cutting-edge research leading to the discovery of lifesaving treatments, advocate for all women to have access to mammograms and treatments – regardless of income – and to provide free programs and services that improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Since 1972, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $352 million to give those touched by breast cancer more reasons for hope.

“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is one of the many great ways the community can help advocate for cancer care for everyone,” said Paul Szrom, area executive director, American Cancer Society. “There is still much that needs to be done in order to eliminate this disease. That’s why we hold a Making Strides in Michiana – to continue to raise money to fund cancer research and to let our voices be heard by those who have the power to make a difference – our legislators.”

Donations will be collected at the walk or may be made online by visiting www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

Registration for the 5K noncompetitive walk begins at 8 a.m. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. at Howard Park. The American Cancer Society is joined by Kroger and WNDU-TV in taking a leadership position in the community’s fight against breast cancer.

For more information about this Making Strides event, call 574.257.9789 or visit www.cancer.org.