Connecting with our local community is very important to our team. That is why every year, the Semgeeks team likes to join forces and support a hardworking nonprofit agency. This year, we wanted to expand our efforts to a cause that helps people across the entire country, including some of our team members.
Many of us have been personally affected by cases of breast cancer. That being said, we decided to join the American Cancer Society for their Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Joining this walk is a great way to raise money and get people together for a great cause. Volunteers for the walk can go solo or gather up a team of participants and set their own fundraising goals. We set up a team of Semgeeks and their families and friends. We were able to raise over $200 and had about 25 people in attendance for the walk.
Since its beginnings in 1913, the American Cancer Society has raised awareness and educated the public about this disease. Their efforts are evident when you arrive for the walk. At the start of the event, there is a very big, very pink party going on. Whether someone wanted to know more about breast cancer screenings, hear the touching stories of strong survivors, learn about treatments, raise money, or just have fun – all of the information was available at their fingertips. We left feeling educated, enthusiastic, and confident that we made a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
The money raised during the event makes a huge difference in the fight against breast cancer. Between the contributions of the American Cancer Society and other organizations, the world has seen a 27% drop in the cancer death rate between 1991 and 2016. A large part of the funds from the walk go toward breast cancer research, but the money also goes toward other patient resources like a 24/7 cancer helpline.
More than 270,000 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, so the mission to eradicate cancer is not over yet; however, every dollar raised for the American Cancer Society brings the world closer to that goal. No matter where you are in the country, if you’re interested in finding a walk near you, visit the American Cancer Society website. Our Semgeeks team had the best time raising money for a great cause. We can’t wait to do it again next year!