Making strides against cancer

MOSES LAKE — Breast cancer survivor Margo Myers is walking on Saturday to support fellow survivors and sufferers.

“So many people helped me when I was going through it,” said Myers, event chair. “This is something I wanted to do to give back.”

The American Cancer Society is hosting a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk Saturday at McCosh Park to raise money for breast cancer research. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m.

“It’s important for communities to ban together and raise money research and for people going through the fight,” Myers said.

It is free to participate. Donations are accepted and individuals are encouraged to hold their own fund-raisers, asking friends, family and businesses to donate.

“Money from this event does go back to the community to help patients,” Myers said. “Local foundations and chapters apply for grants and many receive help from the society.”

This is the first walk of its type in Moses Lake. Myers hopes to raise about $20,000.

“I wanted to do this because I think breast cancer has touched all of us one way or another,” Myers said. “Everyone knows somebody that has suffered from it, whether it be a friend or family member.”

Myers is a four-year survivor. She went through treatment for 12 weeks.

“Thank the Lord I didn’t have the fight most people have to have,” Myers said. “I know people who have lost their lives, their hair and undergone treatment after treatment.”

The event is not a time to reflect upon hardships, but a time to celebrate the strength of the women fighting, said Myers.

“This is a happy, upbeat time,” Myers said. “We are celebrating our survivors and uplifting our sufferers.”

Attendees have the option of walking solo or forming teams. There is a warm-up before the walk, beginning at the park’s amphitheater and crossing through Pioneer Way, Nelson Road, Division Street and ending back at the amphitheater.

“People, that can not walk for some reason, are still welcome to come out and show their support,” Myers said. “It is going to be a fun day.”

There is music playing, treats available and items for sale including, breast cancer T-shirts and hats.

Myers hopes to make the event an on-going tradition.

“We are looking forward to doing this next year and having a larger production every year,” she said.

Myers said the intent of the event goes beyond fund-raising.

“We still have the privilege of honoring those afflicted by breast cancer, even if not much money is raised,” Myers said. “Acknowledge our friends and family members going through this is incredibly important and helpful to them.”

McCosh Park is located at West Fourth Avenue in Moses Lake.

People can sign up online at makingstrides.acsevents.org/moseslake or by calling Myers at 509-793-6067.