Thousands 'make strides' for breast cancer awareness : Hookele ...

Participants walk in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Oct. 6 at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Story and photos by AG3 Vaughan Dill

Thousands of breast cancer survivors, volunteers, military service members, family members and walked to end breast cancer Oct. 6 at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer five-mile walk from Ford Island to Richardson Field, Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Honolulu?s Making Strides event, its fourth annual, was one of more than 270 events across the country this year being held by the American Cancer Society. The event involved more than 7,000 community members and raised more than $215,000 to help end breast cancer by finding cures and supporting programs and services.

?Breast cancer has no boundaries, and this gathering shows the many faces that have been touched. Breast cancer affects all ages and touches the lives of everyone in some way,? said Mary Johnson, a registered nurse and breast health educator at Naval Branch Health Clinic Hawaii-Makalapa.

?I have seen first-hand the struggles that active duty members and their families endure when diagnosed with breast cancer. Military members must deal with the added stress of deployments, duty schedules, moves, children?s reaction, separation, and concern for their jobs.?

?Cancer has made me more appreciative of things, and how to enjoy life a little bit more. I can?t stress over the little things which we all tend to do because life is so crazy for all of us,? said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Vanderla Akaka, a breast cancer survivor since 2008.

?I see cancer as a blessing. Most people think cancer is bad, but for me it was a blessing because it made me realize that you have to take care of yourself. You can?t take care of everybody else.?

Funds raised through Making Strides enable the American Cancer Society to continue providing free resources and support to newly diagnosed women with breast cancer who seek information and help. The American Cancer Society invests in research to find, prevent, treat and cure breast cancer and ensure access to mammograms for women who need them.

There were hundreds of American Cancer society staff members and community volunteers on hand setting up the course, lining the route, assisting the par ticipants, and handing out water and snacks to participants as they crossed the finish line.

?I went to the American Cancer Society to see what support they offer and they gave me wigs. I got everything and it made me feel better. Then I started volunteering, and now I am part of the staff here,? said Joy Agni, a breast cancer survivor of one year, and this year?s honorary guest motivational speaker.

?Cancer has not only brought me awareness and shown me how to take care of my body, but it?s helped me to appreciate the little things, just appreciate waking up and being here,? she said.

?A couple of our families? good friends, a daughter and a mom, they both were diagnosed with breast cancer less than six months apart, so I walk for them,? said Jacky Chacon, a three-and-a-half year survivor and American Cancer Society staff member.

?For me cancer was more of a rebirth. I found all of the good things that I was not taking advantage of in life.?

?Making Strides Against Breast Cancer unites us all to walk together as the most powerful force to end breast cancer,? said Jackie Young, chief staff officer, American Cancer Society Hawaii Pacific, and a breast cancer survivor.

?We are so thankful for how Honolulu has pulled together to encourage everyone to change the course of breast cancer forever. Making Strides walkers and supporters can be proud that their efforts are helping 2.6 million breast cancer survivors living in the U.S. celebrate another birthday this year,? she said.

Since 1993 nearly six million walkers across the United States have raised more than $400 million dollars to help in the fight against breast cancer through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events.

Source: http://www.hookelenews.com/thousands-make-strides-for-breast-cancer-awareness/

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