American Cancer Society hosts Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC7's Roz Varon and Judy Hsu are emceeing the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K at Soldier Field on Saturday.

American Cancer Society Even Specialist Carrie Chiasky and Antwone Young, a Chicago father and hip hop recording artist diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer earlier this year, joined ABC7 to talk about the race.

(PRESS RELEASE)

Thousands of local breast cancer survivors, caregivers, volunteers, businesses and community members will unite at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk of Chicago on Saturday, October 25 at Soldier Field (Stadium Green, 1410 Museum Campus Drive).

This noncompetitive, inspirational 5K (3.1-mile) walk raises awareness and funds to support the Society's mission to help finish the fight against breast cancer and provides hope to all people facing the disease.

"The fight to end breast cancer starts with a single step and this event brings us one step closer to a cure," said Ted McCartan, senior manager, American Cancer Society community events. "Making Strides supporters can be proud that the money they raise enables the American Cancer Society to invest in groundbreaking breast cancer research, help women diagnosed with breast cancer today, and ensure access to screenings and treatment for women who need them."

An estimated 232,670 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2014, and approximately 40,000 will die from the disease. In Illinois, 9,230 women are projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

Last year, 5,000 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer participants raised $400,000 in Chicago for the American Cancer Society to support breast cancer research, offer free patient/caregiver services, provide in-depth cancer information, and support legislative advocacy to make sure all women have access to the care they need.

Flagship Sponsors of this year's Chicago Making Strides event include: MB Financial Bank, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Baker & McKenzie, ABC 7 Chicago, Chicago's 100.3 FM, 101.9 FM The Mix, and 94.7 WLS.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:00 a.m. rain or shine. This event is open to the public and volunteers are also needed to ensure this year's Making Strides event is a success. To register, become a volunteer or for more information, visit: makingstrideswalk.org/chicagoil.

For more information about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks to our progress, nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. We're determined to make this cancer's last century and finish the fight. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.