Pink ribbon installation in Chicago marks start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands of commuters will see a massive pink ribbon installation at Accenture Tower for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

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Courageous women shared their emotional and impactful breast cancer journeys at Accenture Tower's atrium.

The event leads up to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer happening this month at Soldier Field.

It is hosted to raises upwards of a million dollars for breast cancer research.

"Cancer is not going to stop and neither can we," Executive Director of Illinois American Cancer Society Jody Phillips said. "We want to promote awareness for getting screened. Early detection is so important to better outcomes."

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

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More than 316,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in US women this year.

Lucie Duffy of Chicago was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.

"I was 39 when I was diagnosed," Duffy said. "I had a one-and-a-half-year-old. I did not think I was at risk."

She beat her battle, and now serves as a voice and a messenger encouraging others to get screened for breast cancer.

"I want them to know that there is hope that there are treatments out there that are available," Duffy said. "Sharing my story is the best thing I can do."