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Making Strides

@makingstrideswalk

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Honest #breastcancer stories. The celebrations and the hardships. United and never alone. Powered by the American Cancer Society.

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“I carry a lot of titles. 3 little people call me mom, but I am also a wife, daughter, granddaughter, niece, and friend. One title I am super happy to be is Survivor.

I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at age 41, becoming the 4th generation of women to be impacted by either breast or ovarian cancer on my maternal side of the family. At that time, I had a 1, 2, and 7 year old and was at a peak moment in my career.

For me, the opportunity to be a Portrait of Hope for the ACS shows that one thing I am sure of is providing hope for women is encoded in my DNA.” — Roxanne, breast cancer survivor and American Cancer Society Portrait of Hope

Every breast cancer journey is unique, but no one should have to face it alone. The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer brings together survivors, thrivers, caregivers, families, and friends to honor those we’ve lost, cheer on those facing breast cancer today, and help create a future where fewer families are impacted by this disease.

Join Roxanne and our Making Strides community as we walk together and carry hope forward in our link in bio. by @makingstrideswalk

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This Breast Cancer Action Month, Sandra is turning her journey into one simple challenge: take action, spread awareness, and make a difference. 💗

Whether you schedule a screening, share a story, check in on someone going through treatment, or simply help spread the word, every action matters.

This month, join us turn awareness into action. What will you do to make a difference?
Learn more at the link in bio. by @makingstrideswalk

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Awareness starts the conversation. Action drives change.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, join Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® and be part of the nation's largest breast cancer movement.

Walk for someone you love. Walk for those we've lost. Walk for a future without breast cancer.

No matter your reason, you belong at Making Strides. 💗

Every step and every dollar raised supports the American Cancer Society's mission to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. Learn how in our link in bio. by @makingstrideswalk

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“Last August at the age of 40 I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” commented Angela Richmond-Rossiter. “I had gone for my first preventive mammogram with no family history, no concerns, and no noticeable lumps. Because I have dense breast tissue, I was referred for a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound.”

Tests revealed that Angela had stage 1 ER/PR/HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma. Within weeks she underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, before having a double mastectomy and several rounds of radiation. Today, she is still receiving targeted chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“I never imaged myself being diagnosed with breast cancer,” she added. “I thought I was safe because of my age and because there was no family history of the disease. My experience taught me that breast cancer can happen to anyone. I believe that through increased awareness, we can change the belief that ‘it can’t happen to me,’ and help more women understand the importance of routine preventative screening. I truly credit my first mammogram with saving my life.”

To locate an American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in your area, visit our link in bio. by @makingstrideswalk

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We asked breast cancer survivors and participants of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer: What gets you through the hard days?

Their answers are a reminder that no one has to face cancer alone. 🫶 by @makingstrideswalk

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10 days ago

“Five years ago I was diagnosed with an early-stage lymphoma,” noted Mike Hamwey. “Last fall as part of my routine follow-up, a chest x-ray showed something that led to additional testing that resulted in a breast cancer diagnosis.”

Fewer than 1% of breast cancers in the United States occur in men. While male breast cancer can occur at any age, the average age at the time of diagnosis is between 60-70.

“I am not a worrier; but I do like to know what is going on,” Mike added. “I believe you shouldn’t worry about what you can’t control, but you need to control the things you can.”

Finding breast cancer early improves the chances that it can be treated successfully. For most men, the best way to find breast cancer early is to be aware of any lumps in the breast tissue or nipple changes.

Learn more about male breast cancer in our link in bio. by @makingstrideswalk

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For nearly three decades, Debbie has given her time and heart to the American Cancer Society. Her journey began as a Relay For Life volunteer at Carl Sandburg High School and eventually led her to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of South Suburban. After her Stage II breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, she and her family became passionate supporters of the American Cancer Society, with their involvement including a golf tournament that has raised over $142,000 to advance ACS’s work. She served as a Portrait of Hope Ambassador in 2024 and continues to serve on the event leadership team.

What makes Making Strides so special to Debbie is watching newly identified survivors arrive uncertain and emotional, then find confidence and connection as the day goes on. Making Strides wouldn’t be the same without her, and we’re so grateful for the community she continues to build and the people she brings together.

Come meet the people who make Making Strides so special and experience the magic for yourself. Find a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event near you in our link in bio. by @makingstrideswalk

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"One day I was moving through the familiar rhythm of work and family life, teens driving, competitive sports, and travel plans. The next I was hearing words I never imagined I would hear: “You have breast cancer.”

Fear and anxiety accompanied me to my MRIs, sat beside me during consultations, and often appeared in the quiet moments. In turn, I decided to share my journey on my blog and social media to help others facing those same feelings. I was instantly surrounded by encouragement, meals, prayers, and love from friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers. One of those connections introduced me to the American Cancer Society, where I discovered the organization's impact through breakthrough research, advocacy, and patient support. I learned that accepting help wasn't a sign of weakness, but a reminder of the strength found in community." - Nikki, 2026 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Kansas City Portrait of Hope Ambassador

Nikki's story reminds us that the strongest support comes when we walk together. In October, join your community for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and help make a difference for everyone impacted by breast cancer. by @makingstrideswalk

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“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at 45. Thanks to clinical trials and exploratory treatments made possible by American Cancer Society-funded research, we had nearly 20 more years with her before saying goodbye just weeks before her 72nd birthday. Those years meant retiring with her husband and absolutely treasuring her grandchildren. I want to help ensure more families get those precious extra years.”

Erin Aberg, Executive Ambassador for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Twin Cities, has a simple message to fellow leaders: step up for the fight against breast cancer and let others see your commitment. Leadership is a responsibility, not just a perk, and when leaders rally together and inspire others to join them, the potential for impact is exponential. For more information about how to use your influence to get involved in the fight against breast cancer, visit our link in bio! by @makingstrideswalk

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24 days ago

"Pink wasn’t my style, it wasn’t my preference, and it certainly wasn’t my color. But life changes. Now, I find myself intentionally looking for pink shoes because sometimes the path chooses you, and you have to find the right shoes to walk it. In 2025, I chose to fight a battle before it could begin. After learning I carry the BRCA gene, I underwent a preventive double mastectomy to significantly reduce my risk of developing cancer. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, but it was one I made for myself and for my daughter.

Being a voice for prevention, a voice for genetic awareness, and a beacon of hope for other women is a responsibility I hold deeply in my heart. I am grateful for the resilience I never knew I had, and for the chance to keep moving forward. If you see me walking through Hastings in a pair of pink shoes, just know I’m walking a path I’m proud of." - Amy, 2026 from Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Nebraska Portraits of Hope Ambassador

Wear the pink. Walk the walk. Change the future. Find your local walk and join us at MakingStridesWalk.org. by @makingstrideswalk

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“During my cancer treatment, I wanted to create something for other patients to hold onto during their hardest moments. I began making crochet comfort items to share at my cancer center, and seeing the joy they brought others inspired me to want to get involved further and keep making a difference. I decided to take that next step and attend my first American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Holmes Lake. Surrounded by people who understood my journey, I felt empowered to share my story publicly for the first time, opening the door to a new community of support.”- Lauri, 2026 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Nebraska Portraits of Hope Ambassador

Lauri, thank you for being a light for others through your own journey and showing the true magic of Making Strides: connection, resilience, and compassion. Join us in October at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer: MakingStridesWalk.org. by @makingstrideswalk

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"While nursing my son, I noticed a lump. I assumed it was a clogged duct, but something urged me to have it checked. The day before my son turned 8 months old, I learned I had breast cancer. Weeks later, I learned the cancer was stage IV and had already spread to my liver and bones.

The months that followed were filled with treatments, scans, fear, and uncertainty. But I eventually realized I couldn't control my diagnosis, only how I chose to live with it. So I chose joy. Today, I still receive treatment every three weeks. I dance before my infusions, have completed multiple half marathons, and am training for my first full marathon. A stage IV diagnosis is life-changing, but it doesn't mean life is over." - Sabrina, 2026 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Kansas City Portrait of Hope Ambassador

Sabrina has learned along the way that she doesn't have to fight alone. The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer community is a powerful reminder that even on the hardest days, there are people beside you, cheering you on and believing in brighter days ahead. Join us this October at a walk near you! Find out more in our link in bio. by @makingstrideswalk

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