New 5K brings together survivors, volunteers to help fight breast cancer
For the first time, the American Cancer Society will bring Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a 5K fundraiser, to Shreveport-Bossier City.
The event will be held Oct. 25 at Stoner Boat Launch. Registration starts 6:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 8 a.m.
The goal of the nonprofit is to raise $50,000 to help the society fight the disease with research, information, services and access to mammograms for women who need them.
“When you participate in a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, you are sharing your passion and raising funds to help save more lives from breast cancer,” Rachel Stern, ACS community events specialist, said.
The MSABC is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting more than 300 communities to finish the fight. “Every breast cancer walk and event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to honor those who have battled breast cancer, raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our breast cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with research, information, services and access to mammograms for women who need them,” Stern said.
The flagship sponsor for this year’s event is Walmart. Other sponsors for this event include: Albertson’s, Dr. Krentel with Regional Urology Cancer Center, The Good Neighbor Chevy Dealers, The Forum/CityLife and Cumulus.
The event will include live entertainment for the participants. There will also be a survivor tent with doughnuts and coffee before the walk, for survivors and their caregivers to visit and enter the “Survivor Spa.”
After the walk, there will be time to relax with mini spa treatments. Special snacks will also be available.
Donna Krentel is a cancer survivor. “I was diagnosed at age 12 with T4N2 nasopharyngeal cancer, which is an advanced tumor in the sinus cavity,” Krentel said.
She went through seven weeks of radiation and almost two years of chemotherapy after being given only six weeks to live. Yet, 30-plus years later, she is thriving and making a difference in her community.
A native of Pensacola, Fla., Krentel is now married to a radiation oncologist. She’s participated in several ACS events over the years in both Pensacola and Tallahassee. “I’m looking forward to the community becoming excited and becoming involved in this event to raise awareness of breast cancer,” Krentel said. “When I was in the hospital getting treatments, I was inspired by so many other patients battling this disease, especially the children. That was when I realized I couldn’t just lay there, feel sorry for myself and give up. I had to fight, survive and grow up to help these other people.”
“My advice to anyone battling cancer is to pray, be strong, look to whom or what you are fighting for, be determined, appreciate the small things smile, laugh and just appreciate every day we are given,” Krentel said.
Kina Marie Harris, mother of three girls and a graduate from Grambling State University, will walk in the 5K for the first time as a cancer survivor. She is most looking forward to the unity and togetherness that these type of events bring to the community.
“I think people should come participate to show their support for those currently battling, those who have battled and lost, and most importantly those who have battled and won,” Harris said.
Harris was diagnosed with breast cancer in March of 2014. “It was devastating because I’d just buried my aunt in December from breast cancer,” Harris said. “But I’m deeply rooted in church so my faith and trust in God is my encouragement.”
Harris was fortunate enough to be able to work while undergoing six rounds of chemo every three weeks and was just recently told she is officially cancer free.
“There were some terrible moments and some great moments, such finalizing my last round of chemo and discovering I was cancer free,” Harris said. “We serve a mighty God, and He is still in the business of healing. Cancer picked the wrong one!” “I’m looking forward to seeing the community come together and fight for something they believe in,” Stern said.
“Our Making Strides walk gives people power to make a real difference in the battle to end breast cancer. My favorite part is watching a sea of pink bodies all walking together toward the finish line. It’s a really moving sight to see.”
Donate online or bring a contribution to the event. For more information, go to www.makingstrideswalk.org/ shreveportla, www.facebook.com/ makingstridesshreveport.
