Did you know that this year alone, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has more than $60 million invested in breast cancer research to find more cures and save more lives? Did you know that one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and possibly need this lifesaving research? Whether this is new information or not, join the TJ Striders (aka Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund) in partnership with Undaunted Determination for the annual ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. The 5K walk will take place Sunday, Oct. 29 at RFK Stadium (2400 East Capitol St. SE) starting in Parking Lot 8. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; the walk starts at 10 a.m. While making strides for breast cancer, learn how your donations will enable investment in groundbreaking breast cancer research, offer free information and services for women diagnosed with the disease, and provide access to mammograms for women who need them. Together, our donations will help more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors celebrate another birthday this year!
Both TJ Striders and Undaunted Determination have enjoyed the coveted Pacesetter’s Award several times in the past by raising $2,500 annually. This year, the two dynamic teams are joining forces and doubling their impact. Undaunted Determination, led by seven-year breast cancer survivor and quadriplegic Sheri Denkensohn, is an inclusive group that is passionate about diversity and access to health care. As someone with a disability, Denkensohn knows the struggles that are unique to those fighting breast cancer as well as the pain of loss for those we have lost to the disease. Denkensohn is a staunch supporter of the Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund, including serving as a panelist on breast cancer survivors with disabilities at the fund’s upcoming support group meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church. Denkensohn also serves as a Making Strides ambassador for ACS. Undaunted Determination has raised approximately $50,000 over the past six years. This year’s goal is $8,000—currently, the team has raised more than $4,700. Any donation of any size—even the cost of a cup of coffee—is a gift that can save lives. So show your support, join Undaunted Determination, and walk with us as a sign of solidarity. Details can be found on the team site at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/undaunteddetermination.
Almost everyone has been touched by breast cancer in some way, so we’ve decided to make a difference by walking and raising money with your support. The Making Strides walk is a place to come together to honor breast cancer survivors, remember loved ones who have lost the battle, and take action to end suffering and death from a disease that has already taken far too many lives. This event is also a perfect place to advocate for breast cancer issues to help advance the ACS Cancer Action Network’s lifesaving breast cancer work. So join us, and together we will walk for a world without breast cancer. For event information, see www.MakingStridesWalk.org/washingtondc.
By: Thelma D. Jones
Thelma D. Jones is a civic activist, breast cancer survivor, advocate, ACS ambassador, and founder of the Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund.