CORKTOWN – Nearly 10,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in Michigan, but on Saturday, Oct. 11, thousands of survivors and supporters filled Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood with hope and determination.
About 8,000 breast cancer survivors, caregivers and supporters gathered at The Corner Ballpark for Detroit’s largest breast cancer walk, Making Strides Detroit.
The event, now in its 28th year, has raised more than $19 million for research and support services.
“To go through cancer and lose your hair and be sick, it’s rough. But when you’re out, it’s beautiful,” said Wanda Johnson, a 13-year breast cancer survivor.
The sea of pink participants included an enthusiastic Detroit Police Department contingent, complete with pom-poms, showing their support for the cause.
Family support was evident throughout the event.
Michelle Frazier, attending as a supporting aunt, shared a light moment about her survivor relative -- “to see that she’s still walking with us, she still gets on my nerves, but I’m here!”
Jenni Beamer from the American Cancer Society’s Michigan chapter emphasized the event’s broader impact on public health awareness.
“Maybe you haven’t been touched by cancer, and this event reminds you to get a mammogram,” she said.
Local businesses joined the effort, including McShane’s, a Corktown staple. The pub committed to donating ten percent of the day’s sales to the American Cancer Society.
April McMullen, a McShane’s employee whose aunt recently died from ovarian cancer, helped coordinate the pub’s distinctive presence at the event.
“I just lost my aunt to ovarian cancer, which is the same gene, and my boss recovered recently, so we’re big advocates,” McMullen said.
For three-year survivor Sheila Young, the day brought mixed emotions. “I got very emotional when I came here because my friend just died, but it’s so exciting to see all the things out here,” she said.
Even the Detroit Tigers’ mascot, Paws, made an early morning appearance to support the cause.