Jason Plaia, Director of Development, and Gina McAleese, Senior Communications Manager for the American Cancer Society Delaware Chapter, discussing the return of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, the national campaign bringing awareness and funding to the fight against breast cancer. Jason tells us the this year 284,000+ women will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer and 44,000 will lose their battle. While there is no one way to prevent the disease – genetics and environment can play a part in it – a healthy diet, exercise and not smoking can lessen your risk. Screening saves lives is the message they want us to take away from this conversation, getting women access to regular health care can save more lives and we discussed the barriers that poor and women of color face and the discrepancies in outcome they lead to. They described the ACA mission and the programs they offer, including Hope Lodge for out-of-town patients and Road to recovery, that matches volunteers willing to drive them to and from their treatments. They also discussed their phone number, 800-227-2345 where anyone can call with a question or concern about cancer, from a new diagnosis to how to volunteer.
For more information about the American Cancer Society, its programs, services and research visit CANCER.ORG
The Delaware Making Strides Walk will happen October 24th in its new location, Bellevue State Park. Making Strides Greater Philadelphia/Southern NJ walk will be held Octoer 17. For the Making Strides walk closest to you visit makingstrideswalk.org and for the Delaware Walk go to makingstrideswalk.org/delaware