SDSU Hosts Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Snapdragon Stadium
Thousands are expected to rally at SDSU Mission Valley’s Snapdragon Stadium and river park on Oct. 27 for one of the region’s most inspiring annual events: the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.
Hosted by the American Cancer Society, the event unites survivors, thrivers, caregivers, families and supporters in a powerful show of solidarity and hope. The goal is to raise funds and awareness to end breast cancer.
An annual, regional fundraiser, this is the first time the walk will take place at its new home at SDSU Mission Valley.
“Making Strides of San Diego has been a place for the community to support anyone impacted by breast cancer,” said Lou-Anne Eveland, Development Associate Director at the American Cancer Society.
Over the years, this walk has evolved into the nation’s largest breast cancer movement, providing crucial funding for research and patient programs. More than 313,510 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed this year alone in the US.
This year marks a special partnership with SDSU, which has teamed up with the American Cancer Society to host the walk. “Partnering with the American Cancer Society is an honor and a testament to SDSU’s shared commitment to ending breast cancer,” said Hala Madanat, SDSU Vice President for Research and Innovation.
The event will also celebrate another milestone with the naming of its first-ever honoree: SDSU alumna and 27-year employee Tammy Blackburn. As a metastatic breast cancer thriver, Blackburn is a fierce advocate for cancer patients and established the Wallace Shatsky Blackburn Courage Through Cancer Fund, which supports students impacted by the disease.
“It’s really wonderful that SDSU gets to be a partner,” said Blackburn. “There are just so many groundbreaking and innovative things that we are doing at San Diego State. Our partnership with the American Cancer Society and Making Strides feels right and I am confident that we will look back at this years from now and say, ‘yeah, we did that, we saved lives.’”
Blackburn will attend the event to cheer on participants and says though she’ll feel a surge of emotion, she’s inspired and eager to be part of this important cause.
“I know I’ll see people and look at them and know what they’re going through,” she said. “It will be a stark reminder of the important work that we need to keep doing and this is why I am so thankful to the American Cancer Society and Making Strides of San Diego.”
Organizers hope to reach a $700,000 fundraising goal to further breast cancer research and patient services. Participants and supporters can register for the walk online at MakingStridesWalk.org/SanDiego.
With every step, attendees are not only honoring loved ones impacted by breast cancer but also fueling the fight to raise awareness.
For Blackburn, the event presents an opportunity to talk openly about cancer and overcome the fear associated with the disease.
“We have a choice, we can bury our heads in the sand and not move the needle or we can have open and honest conversations about the work that needs to be done…this event allows us to be together and share love while having tough conversations. It also allows us to never forget those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”