October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—an opportunity to focus on the impact of the disease and raise awareness and funds for research in the hope of finding a cure. More than 264,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the United States. It's the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women.

This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will hold its annual walk at Nathan Benderson Park on Saturday, Oct. 22, starting at 7:30 a.m. "It's is a non-competitive, one- to three-mile walk that raises funds to support breast cancer patients and their families," says Bethany Lynch, senior development manager at the American Cancer Society.

"My sister is a breast cancer survivor and I've seen the effects of breast cancer on so many people I know," Lynch continues. "It's so important to feel a sense of community."

Funds raised from the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks go towards advocacy for cancer patients, research, and Making Strides' Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery and Patient Lodging programs.

Last year, real estate company Stock Development was a sponsor of the walk. This year, employees are participating.

"We have had seven employees diagnosed with breast cancer," says Debbie Urban, an area sales manager with Stock Development and its Take Stock in Hope walking group team leader. "We want to make a difference as a team." So far, her team has raised more than $29,000 for this year's walk. You can find other participating local teams here.

The community event is open to all, whether you are a breast cancer survivor, undergoing treatment, a caregiver or someone who knows somebody who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information on how to participate, click here.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, beginning at 7:30 a.m.