For more than 30 years, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities in the nation’s largest movement to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of San Joaquin Valley will take place on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024 at Modesto Junior College’s West Campus, providing a supportive community for breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, caregivers, supporters and families alike.

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events in communities across the country have raised approximately $1 billion to support breast cancer research, patient programs, and direct services.

“Making Strides has grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement over the past three decades,” said T.J. Johnson, Senior Development Manager for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides local event. “Through Making Strides, we are funding critical research and life-saving programs that will ensure a brighter future for everyone who is impacted by breast cancer.”

Sutter Health is the Presenting Sponsor for the Oct. 20 event and check-in is at 8 a.m.

The opening ceremony starts at 9 a.m.; there will be a DJ providing music, there will be food trucks on site and a fun kids camp, along with participants walking the track at MJC West. Register for the event at makingstrideswalk.org/sanjoaquinvalley

Making Strides Against Cancer was founded in 1984 by Margery Gould Rath, a breast cancer survivor in Massachusetts, as a ‘move-along-a-thon’ to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. The event officially became known as the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in 1993 and has since inspired millions of people to participate in events in communities across the country. Rath remained a passionate volunteer until her passing in 2001.

Locally, the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer movement raised more than $160,000 last year through both individual fundraising and corporate sponsorships. This year, sponsorship partners include Sutter Health, Central Valley Doctors Health System, Oak Valley Community Bank, Kaiser Permanente, U.S. Cold Storage, Lancaster Painting and Hilmar Cheese Company. This year, Maryn Pitt, Policy Director of the Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley, is the event’s Executive Ambassador.

“Maryn’s dedication to cancer awareness and support is highlighted as a two-time cancer survivor including breast cancer in 2010 and cervical cancer in 2023,” Johnson noted. “We are excited that Maryn has chosen to use her personal experience, leadership, and community involvement to help us all in the fight against cancer.”

There are many ways to get involved in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, including signing up to participate, joining in saving lives, remembering loved ones and funding the future of breast cancer research and programs.

Participants can also become corporate leaders in their community to ensure local survivors and thrivers are celebrated and honored during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Donations to the American Cancer Society for Strides is dedicated to ending breast cancer as we know it. Donations can be made by visiting makingstrideswalk.org/sanjoaquinvalley