The Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk is happening Saturday, September 21
By Patricia Nugent
According to the Center for Disease Control, one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.
Thanks to earlier detection rates and improvement in treatment, death rates from this second-most-common form of cancer in women have been steadily declining since 1989.
Whether you are a survivor, patient or know someone who is, the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk is the perfect way to rally your support. It takes place Saturday, September 21, at the JoAnn Headquarters in Hudson. The event kicks off at 7 a.m. and opening ceremonies are at 9 a.m.
“As our biggest fundraiser of the year, the Walk raises essential funds that go toward our patient care services, which include a helpline, patient navigation program, financial assistance to help patients stay in treatment, research and advocacy,” says State Executive Director Sean Shacklett.
The goal this year is to raise $350,000, and the grassroots, nonprofit organization is a little more than halfway there.
“We are a local, community-based, family-friendly event and people love the kids’ zone, crafts and games,” he adds. “Another special thing we do is Hope Village, a place with foods and pampering for survivors and patients. This day is like a celebration and reunion, a place of support and hope that spans the newly diagnosed as well as 30-plus-year survivors.”
On a national level, over the past 35 years, Susan G. Komen has granted more than $1.1 billion to support research into the cures for breast cancer. Every advancement in breast cancer treatment has been touched in some way by Komen dollars.
“We’re fortunate to partner with many generous local corporate donors, including JoAnn, Northeast Ohio Ford Dealers Association, Swagelok, GPD Group, Coca Cola Consolidated, JK Investment Group, Meijer stores, Novartis and Giant Eagle,” says Sean, who notes that any team that raises $2,500 and individual who raises $1,000 or more gains admittance to the VIP area.
The More Than Pink Walk takes place at JoAnn Headquarters, 5555 Darrow Road in Hudson. To register, donate and find out more information, visit Komen.org/northeastohiowalk. You can download an app to get your fundraising efforts going. Susan G. Komen is looking for walkers, donors and volunteers to join the effort.