Officials Announce Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis in women in the United States and it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women.

This morning, a large group of people kicked off the annual effort to beat the dreaded disease.

They vowed to keep fighting until the battle is won.

"Here in Pittsburgh alone this year, over 11,000 individuals will be diagnosed with breast cancer," Brittany Donnellon said.

The kick-off breakfast for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer was held at the Sheraton Station Square Wednesday morning.

KDKA Radio's Bonnie Diver, a cancer survivor, served as emcee.

"I had breast cancer in 2003, so I had my 12-year cancer-versary this year, and I am kicking it. I am making cancer fear me, and with the American Cancer Society this morning we are kicking it off again. We are going to make strides to beat breast cancer," Diver said.

In addition to getting people ready for the annual walk in October, the kick-off is a way for survivors to share stories of how they won.

"The best way to fight cancer is to be happy. Whatever that is, you fight stress and then your body functions better and then you do better, so fighting stress and be happy, that's the person who wins, and I'm happy to say 12 years later, we are kicking it," Diver said.

Breast cancer rates have actually decreased by 35 percent, but there is still much work to be done.

"Without the community here in Pittsburgh joining up and taking this fight up personally, we cannot do what we do as the American Cancer Society to help save lives and eliminate this awful disease," Donnellon said.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will be held Oct. 17 at Highmark Stadium by Station Square and will be emceed by KDKA-TV's Jennifer Antkowiak.

For more information about this year's event, visit their website here: http://bit.ly/1K42zF4

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