Walking for Hope - Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Why this walk means everything to survivors, supporters, and the future of breast cancer treatment

Insights for Empowerment

Yet another year, I walked in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Not as someone newly diagnosed, not as someone in the middle of treatment, but as a survivor. A woman who stood on the other side of the battle holding a sign that read “1+ years.”

That sign meant everything.

It meant I made it through April 5th, the day I got the diagnosis. Through June 14th, the day of my double mastectomy. Through recovery, through the tough days, through every doctor’s appointment where I held my breath waiting for results.

It meant I’m still here. Still fighting. Still living.

Walking With My Team LIFT After Breast Cancer

I didn’t walk alone. I walked with my team LIFT After Breast Cancer and Dr. Michele D. Clark, a woman whose work in supporting breast cancer survivors has been transformative for so many women.

LIFT stands for Living Inspired, Free & Transformed. And that’s exactly what this walk represented. Women who are living boldly after breast cancer. Women who refused to let cancer define their future. Women who chose to rise, rebuild, and reclaim their lives.

We walked together. Survivors, caregivers, supporters, advocates. Each step a declaration: we are still here, and we will not be silent.

My Son Walked With Me

This year was extra special because my son, Deonte, walked with me.

Having him there meant more than I can put into words. He’s watched me go through this journey from the beginning. He’s seen the fear, the pain, the recovery, the resilience. And now, he walked beside me as I celebrated survival.

That moment reminded me why I keep fighting. Why I share my story. Why I refuse to let breast cancer steal my joy.

Because my family needs me. My grandchildren need me. And I’m not done living yet.

Why Making Strides Matters

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk isn’t just a feel-good event. It’s a movement that funds critical research, provides support services, and helps ensure that every woman facing breast cancer has access to the care she needs.

Every dollar raised goes toward:

• Funding groundbreaking research to find better treatments and ultimately a cure

• Providing free rides to treatment for women who don’t have transportation

• Offering free lodging near treatment centers for those traveling from rural areas

• Supporting 24/7 helplines where women can get answers and guidance

• Advocating for policies that improve access to screenings and care

When you walk, when you donate, when you show up, you’re not just supporting survivors. You’re investing in a future where no woman has to hear the words “you have cancer” and feel alone.

The Power of Community

Standing in that crowd of pink, surrounded by thousands of people who understand, was healing in a way I didn’t expect.

Some women were bald from chemo. Some wore survivor sashes. Some walked in honor of loved ones they’d lost. Some were there supporting a friend, a sister, a mother, a daughter.

But we were all there for the same reason: to say that breast cancer will not win. That we will keep fighting. That we will support each other. That we will not stop until there’s a cure.

Holding That 1+ Year Sign

When they handed me that sign, I felt a wave of emotions.

Pride. Gratitude. Relief. Hope.

One year ago, I wasn’t sure what my future looked like. I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to this moment. But here I was, holding a sign that said I survived.

And not just survived. Thrived.

I thought about all the women who didn’t make it to their one-year mark. The ones who fought just as hard but didn’t get the same outcome. I walked for them too.

Conclusion

If you’ve never participated in a Making Strides walk, I encourage you to find one near you. Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or someone who just wants to make a difference, your presence matters.

Walk for the women still fighting. Walk for the women we’ve lost. Walk for the future where breast cancer is no longer a death sentence.

And if you are a survivor reading this, know that you are not alone. There’s a community of warriors who understand exactly what you’ve been through. We see you. We support you. And we’re walking with you.

Encouraging Nuggets

Scripture for Today: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Affirmation: I am a survivor. I am strong. I am proof that hope wins.

How You Can Get Involved:

• Register for a Making Strides walk in your area

• Donate to the American Cancer Society

• Form a team with friends, family, or coworkers

• Volunteer at breast cancer events

• Share survivor stories to raise awareness

• Get your annual mammogram and encourage others to do the same

Why This Matters:

• 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime

• Early detection saves lives

• Research funding leads to better treatments and higher survival rates

• No woman should face breast cancer alone

Remember: Every step you take in a Making Strides walk is a step toward a world without breast cancer. Every dollar raised brings us closer to better treatments and ultimately a cure. Every person who shows up sends a message to survivors: you are not alone, and we will keep fighting with you.