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The words 'faith' and 'fight' have renewed meaning for us.

I’m Beulah, and for me, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a chance to stand together with my daughters and others in support of the fight against this disease.

Although I have made donations to the American Cancer Society in the past, I didn’t get involved in Making Strides until I saw my daughters participating and wearing pink ribbons to support my status as a breast cancer survivor.

I actually feel that the walk brings together one huge support system and raises awareness. It’s energizing just to enter the Making Strides staging area.

The words ‘faith’ and ‘fight’ have renewed meaning for us, and it helps to know that the American Cancer Society is a resource for me and many others who have to wage battles against cancer until the cure comes.

Last revised: April 2008

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Crossing a river from the safety of one bank, through the raging waters, to a new, different side.

Participating in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer makes me feel strong and empowered. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand how a diagnosis can make a woman feel scared and different. I compare the feeling to crossing a river - from the safety of one bank, through the raging waters, to a new, different side that is somehow also comforting. Participating in Making Strides reminds you that you are not alone, that there is a large community supporting you and giving you hope because progress is being made.

I'm a wife and a mother of two boys. I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and had a bilateral mastectomy. My entire family has been affected by cancer: my father died of colon cancer, my mother of breast cancer, and my sister - a nonsmoker - was diagnosed with lung cancer.

With all I have been through, I understand the importance and impact Making Strides has on breast cancer research, awareness and patient advocacy.

I know that with efforts such as Making Strides, fewer women will go through what I am going through.

Carmen lost her brave battle against the disease in November 2008

Last revised: November 2008

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I have four very powerful reasons to walk.

My most emotional memory of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s first Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in 2000 was the event starter on the walkie-talkie saying, “I can’t hold the walkers back any longer! Please help!” Even then, the momentum behind the Albuquerque event was fierce. I still get emotional whenever I take myself back to that very first walk in 2000. I saw the power of this event and how this cause touches so many, so deeply. Making Strides offers a gathering place to remember those who have died from breast cancer, a place to support someone in their journey through breast cancer, a place where those survivors can celebrate and be among a sea of support, and a place where we can all fight back together.

Personally, I have a family history of breast cancer, and Making Strides is particularly poignant for me as a mother of four daughters. I have four very powerful reasons to be here.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer brings a powerful message of support to survivors and their families, as well as to those who have lost someone to breast cancer, that they are not forgotten. The walk brings a powerful message of hope for our daughters that our efforts today will help eradicate breast cancer tomorrow.

As the executive director of New Mexico for the American Cancer Society, I was a strong advocate for bringing the first Making Strides event to the area. I have seen the event grow and gain momentum in the last eight years and feel so encouraged that more and more women are hearing about it, talking about it and participating.

My heart is in this event - I love it. There is nothing like the power of the people that is felt when we actually are at the walk!

Last revised: April 2008

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My mother was the one with cancer.

I faced a battle with breast cancer nearly ten years ago, but I faced the battle from another side - a side that sometimes seems much worse. My mother was the one with cancer. I was not only in the middle of a high-risk pregnancy, I was also desperately trying to support my mother, who was living on the other side of the country. Unable to fly to be with my mother during chemo, I was hurting because I couldn’t offer her the support she deserved.

Cancer robs you of time and memories. My mother was supposed to be with me during the birth of her only grandson - and couldn’t because of her chemo treatments.

Now, ten years later, my mother is a survivor, and I am a San Diego news anchor. In honor of my mother, I am an emcee of San Diego’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

There is a sense of buoyancy that you are there with 20,000 other people fighting the disease. You feel as if you are in a sea of pink humanity that floats along. Some walk, some are in wheelchairs, some have dogs. There is a feeling of floating, joy and optimism throughout the event.

I plan to be a part of Making Strides for many years to come.

Last revised: April 2008

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This single mother of two knew she faced one of the biggest challenges of her life.

Judy immediately contacted the American Cancer Society for information, support, and financial guidance. “Just knowing the American Cancer Society was there gave me so much hope. They were the first ones I turned to and I called them whenever I needed to,” Judy said.

Judy underwent a double mastectomy and several months of intense chemotherapy treatments. Today, not only is Judy grateful to be alive, she also walks in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to help fight the disease.

“After my surgery, the American Cancer Society invited me to a kickoff breakfast for the Making Strides walk in my community,” Judy said. “After the breakfast, I got all fired up and decided to be a team leader. I sent information to all my friends and anyone who would listen to me. I rallied a team of nearly 30 people, including my mom. The event was just two days after my last chemotherapy treatment. While I would normally be in bed after chemo, that morning I was full of energy. When we got to the Making Strides event, there were tents, music, and thousands of people. It was amazing. I was so proud to be a survivor. I never felt so happy to be alive.”

Judy’s team, Judy Gloden’s Angels, raised $4,000 in 2007 to help the American Cancer Society fight breast cancer and provide hope to all people facing the disease. Judy and her team are looking forward to the 2008 Making Strides season and intend to raise even more this year.

“My friends, family, and the American Cancer Society helped me get through my battle with breast cancer. Today, hope starts with me.”

Last revised: April 2008

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Top Making Strides Against Breast Cancer National Fundraiser
San Diego, CA

In August of 2000, I flew from San Diego, California to Nashua, New Hampshire, to share in the wedding celebration of my childhood friend Victoria and her new husband Steve. What a grand party and a happy time!

I was certainly taken aback when the next communication from my 33-year-old friend was to inform us that she returned from her honeymoon to a dreaded diagnosis: “You have breast cancer.” After drying the tears, attempting to communicate with my friend after that kind of news, and making arrangements to fly to New Hampshire for her surgery, I wasn’t satisfied with my individual actions. So another friend encouraged me from 3,000 miles away to seek out my local Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.

I initially became involved with Making Strides as my helpless cry to do “something” in support of my dear friend Victoria as she battled breast cancer. Becoming a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, and a leader in fundraising and motivating others for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, has provided me the opportunity to know that I am making a difference in the fight, and brightening the future for those diagnosed with breast cancer .

Today, Victoria is a survivor and top fundraiser in her local Making Strides event! I have learned that we should never minimize our individual capabilities. In 2007, 250 people joyfully accepted my invitation to change the future of breast cancer and supported my $120,000 fundraising campaign.

I am so thankful for having been blessed with my initial introduction to my American Cancer Society. And, I am grateful to be a part of this life-enriching experience by being a part of the Making Strides community. It offers me the special privilege to raise money to fight the disease, learn about new advancements, and to “be progress” against breast cancer! It will take all of us working together to get there; won’t you join me? Let’s go make strides. Hope starts with us.

Last updated: April 2008

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Learn more about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer