Imagine something as simple as taking a walk. You walk all the time – at work, at the grocery store and even just around the house. Now, imagine not having the energy or strength to get up and walk around like you used to. If you or anyone you know has battled cancer, then you know that sometimes taking a walk is not as easy as it sounds.

That is why events like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are so important to our communities. For the last eight years, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has come to Worcester to give patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and family the chance to walk for hope. The walk brings together communities all over the nation to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to save lives from breast cancer through fundraising, donations and volunteer work.

This will be the second year that the American Cancer Society Community Development Manager, Anne Colacarro, has been involved with this event, but she said she can already see the positive impact this event has on those involved. “That’s one of the things we hear over and over again,” she said, “how great it is to connect with people who are going through the same thing. Both for survivors and caregivers to be able to share their experiences with others along the walk.”

Sharing experiences, knowing that no one walks alone and having fun is truly what this event is all about. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and one out of every eight women will hear that diagnosis in their lifetime. This year, at the Worcester event, there will be an opening ceremony, a flash mob (all are encouraged to participate) and musical entertainment following the walk.

Making Strides provides critical funding for the American Cancer Society research, as well as many of the programs that cancer patients and caregivers rely on every day. Some programs include Hope Lodges, a charitable project that offers a free place to stay for cancer patients and caregivers while being treated in a city away from home; Road to Recovery, which helps cancer patients get to appointments; and a 24-hour call service to answer questions or just to have someone listening when you need it.

“We would only be able to do a fraction of what we do without the support of walks like these,” Colacarro said.

The walk is three miles, and it is not a race. Participants may stop anytime they wish or if they are unable to finish. The walk will be complete when the final walker crosses the finish line.

Making Strides will be held Oct. 14 at Institute Park, 125, Salisbury St., Worcester. Registration is free and begins at 9 a.m.; the walk will begin at 10:30 a.m. For more information, main.acsevents. org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/ MSABCCY18NER?pg=entry&fr_id=89579. Visit cancer. org to get information about cancer, treatments, support and American Cancer Society programs.

Kaycee Roy