CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is coming up on October 19, and this morning more than 200 folks wanting to make cancer history got up early for a kickoff breakfast aboard the U.S.S. Lexington.
The event helped to remind them of the reasons they fund raise for the American Cancer Society.
Among those in the crowd, breast cancer survivors: Both women and men are sharing their stories of beating cancer.
Some currently are battling cancer, such as Stephanie Sasser. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer at 29 years old after finding a small lump in her armpit.
"It wasn't my breast tissue," she said Thursday morning. "I found it just while I was taking a shower. Metastatic breast cancer means that it has spread thru my lymph nodes all throughout my arms, chest, wall of my neck."
Doctors gave her two years to live. That was three years ago.
"We're fighting for our lives," Sasser said. "We're fighting, so our children don't see us hurting every day, and for research."
American Cancer Society research Stephanie credits for helping her live longer than her diagnosis. Research, that's helped her live longer for her 4-year-old son.
"I really want that for my son," she said. "To see mommy doing something bigger than just being sick."
"It's so important to raise these funds so we can help people in our community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer," said Kayla Hanson of the local branch of the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society branch here in the Coastal Bend has numerous programs to help folks right here at home, including a 1-800 number: 1-800-ACS-2345.
"A lot of times, professionals think 'Oh my gosh. A 1-800 number. It's going to be just an operator. How are they going to help me?' Hansen said. "Let me tell you. Those operators go through high (-level) training, and take you thru a needs assessment to find out what (you need) and how we can help."
So how can you get involved in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer? Sign up.
Click on the linkor check out their Facebook page, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Corpus Christi.
The walk is Saturday, October 19 at Bayfront Park. KRIS 6 News is a proud sponsor, and we will all see you there.
