Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a series of non-competitive walks organized by the

American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating cancer. The ACS publishes the journals ''Cancer'', '' CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians'' and '' Cancer Cytopathology''. History The society w ...

(ACS) to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, advocacy, and patient support programs. The events are held annually in communities across the United States, typically during October, which is recognized as

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), also referred to in the United States as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM), is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase aware ...

History

The first Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk took place in 1993 in

Boston Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...

Massachusetts Massachusetts ( ; ), officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a U.S. state, state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Maine to its east, Connecticut and Rhode ...

. What began as a local fundraiser has since grown into a nationwide movement. Today, hundreds of walks are held each year across the country, drawing participation from survivors, caregivers, volunteers, and corporate teams.

Purpose and Mission

The primary goals of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are to: * Raise awareness about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. * Generate funds to support the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research and programs. * Provide a space for communities to honor survivors, remember those lost, and take collective action toward ending breast cancer.

Fundraising and Impact

Participants raise money individually or as part of a team. Funds support: * Breast cancer research funded by the ACS. * Free patient services such as a 24/7 cancer helpline, transportation, and lodging for treatment. * Advocacy efforts to improve access to healthcare and promote public policies supporting patients and survivors. According to the American Cancer Society, Making Strides events have collectively raised hundreds of millions of dollars since the program’s inception.

Event Format

Making Strides walks are typically 3–5 miles in length and are open to participants of all ages. Unlike competitive races, these walks emphasize community engagement, support, and awareness. Many events feature survivor celebrations, live entertainment, educational booths, and “Survivor Villages.”{{cite web , title=Making Strides Against Breast Cancer , url=https://www.cancer.org/involved/fundraise/making-strides-against-breast-cancer.html , website=American Cancer Society , access-date=May 27, 2025

National Partnerships

The American Cancer Society partners with corporations, media outlets, and local sponsors to expand the reach and impact of Making Strides. Some events recognize top fundraisers, known as "Pacesetters," and feature local dignitaries or survivor speakers.

References