Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Article by Amy Haynes

THE MOVEMENT CHANGING LIVES ONE STEP AT A TIME

On Saturday, October 25th thousands will walk together at Crown Center to share a single powerful message: breast cancer doesn’t define us, and it doesn’t stand alone. This is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, the American Cancer Society’s nationwide movement that transforms courage into action and turns hope into tangible change. Every step taken is a symbol of solidarity. Every dollar raised makes a life-changing difference.

A Movement Fueled by Community

Making Strides events aren’t races, they’re a celebration. Each walk stretches three to five miles, paced by survivors, thrivers, caregivers, and passionate supporters. What began in 1984 as one Massachusetts survivor’s dream, a “move-along-a-thon” created by Margery “Margie” Gould Rath, has evolved into the largest and most impactful breast cancer movement in the U.S., raising nearly $1 billion for research and patient programs.
Today, participants gather in nearly every corner of the country to honor loved ones lost, uplift those still fighting, and fuel the future of breast cancer science and care.
Inclusive, Supportive, and United
Making Strides is an extraordinary movement for everyone—regardless of gender, identity, or diagnosis stage. From male survivors and previvors (those at higher risk), to metastatic breast cancer thrivers, everyone has a place and a purpose in Making Strides.
It’s a living expression of the American Cancer Society’s belief: that no one should face cancer alone. A space where people from all backgrounds walk together for a future where health equity is real, and the burden of breast cancer no longer falls hardest on underserved communities.

Why It Matters

In 2025 alone, more than 319,750 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected in the U.S.—and over 42,680 deaths. But behind these statistics are lives that can be changed through early detection, access to care, and research breakthroughs.
Making Strides supports the American Cancer Society’s mission to end breast cancer as we know it. With more than $600 million invested in breast cancer research in the last 30 years, and nearly $3.5 billion in cancer research overall, their work has contributed to a 33% decline in cancer death rates since 1991—saving more than 4.1 million lives.
From providing free rides to treatment, Hope Lodge® stays for patients and caregivers, and advocating for affordable healthcare through the ACS Cancer Action Network, this movement isn’t just about raising awareness, it’s about changing outcomes.

Your Role in the Movement

There are three simple, powerful ways to be part of Making Strides:
Be the Movement – Sign up to walk and raise funds with your local Kansas City Making Strides event. Aim for a personal fundraising goal of $100 or more and celebrate your efforts on October 25 at Crown Center. Bring your family, coworkers, and community—it’s a day of unity and inspiration.
Be the Hope – Become a sponsor and show your company’s commitment to making a difference. Business leaders can honor survivors, fund essential programs, and build visibility within their community. Email sarah.howard@cancer.org to learn how your company can get involved.
Be the Future – Every dollar donated pushes research further, provides critical support services, and helps close gaps in healthcare access. Visit MakingStridesWalk.org/kansascitymo to contribute or learn more.

Making a Tangible Impact
Funds raised through Making Strides build lifelines:

• More than 760,000 free rides provided annually to cancer treatment appointments.
• Over 500,000 free nights of lodging through Hope Lodge® communities.
• 1 million+ cancer screenings delivered to underserved populations.
• Health equity grants, biomarker testing expansion, and HBCU medical school funding to increase diversity in cancer research.
• 24/7 helpline and cancer.org, reaching over 96 million annual visitors and assisting more than 360,000 people last year alone.
• Cancer Survivors Network, a safe online space where survivors and caregivers connect, ask questions, and share stories.

Keep Margie’s Vision Alive

Margie Rath’s hope was about walking together. By joining Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, you’re standing up for the future, for survivors, for equity, and for cures.
So, lace up your sneakers. Wear your pink with pride. And take those strides—not just for yourself, but for someone you love, someone you’ve lost, someone still fighting. Because this movement is about more than a walk — it’s about changing the world.

For more information, support, or to get involved, visit:MakingStridesWalk.org/kansascitymo or call 1-800-227-2345.