Editor:

On behalf of the American Cancer Society, I would like to thank the greater Portland area for its generosity and support of the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Approximately 2,500 walkers and volunteers participated, and we raised nearly $275,000 to fight breast cancer and provide hope for all people facing this disease. 

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a chance to celebrate survivorship. I want to applaud the many survivors that led the way. These folks are heroes. They are our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives and friends. They are the reason we continue the fight, and they remind us all of a very important message – finding breast cancer early – when it’s most treatable – can save lives. 

A special thanks to the members of our planning committee and all the volunteers who worked to make this event a success. Sincere thanks to all the businesses that generously supported this event through sponsorship. We could not have done it without you! We also appreciate the generosity of this year’s top sponsors –  Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Custom Disability Solutions, Elmet Technologies, Maine’s Coast 93.1, Portland Pirates, Tanger Outlets, and Tyler Technologies – for their contributions and participation in this year’s walk. 

As the Portland Strides walk grows, so must the committee who plans it. There are many opportunities for someone who would like to get involved.  If anyone is interested in learning more about the planning committee,  please email me and we will send you an invitation to the 2009 planning committee kick off . 

   Again, thank you for supporting your American Cancer Society. If you have outstanding pledges or would like to make a donation, it’s not too late. Contact your local American Cancer Society office or make a gift online at www.cancer.org/stridesonline. You can also contact us anytime, day or night for cancer-related information, support and resources at 1-800-ACS-2345, or visit www.cancer.org. 

Tess Hakkila, volunteer event chairman 

Portland Making Strides Against Breast Cancer