EL PASO, Texas - Hundreds of people from the El Paso and Fort Bliss community participated, volunteered and walked in the American Cancer Society's fifth-annual Stride for Life 5K walk Oct. 20 at Ascarate Park here.
This year's event marked the American Cancer Society's 100th birthday.
"Stride for Life is a 5K walk held every October during breast cancer awareness month," said Sonia Morales, a community manger of development for The American Cancer Society here.
"We spread awareness by getting the word out, and also to remember those who have lost their battles with cancer," she said. "We help empower those who are currently going through breast cancer and their treatments."
According to The American Cancer Society's website, about 1,660,290 new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in 2013, and about 580,350 Americans are projected to die of cancer, which is almost 1,600 people a day.
"The great thing about El Paso is there is never a shortage of volunteers that come out and help," Morales, an El Paso native, said. "Last year, there was over 100 volunteers and over 3,000 participants. This year, we have about 200 survivors who will be participating. Every year the numbers increase."
"Breast cancer touches a lot of peoples lives," Morales said. "We encourage people to bring their family and friends to celebrate the lives of people affected by cancer."
There were no registration fees to participate in the walk; however, donations were accepted.
"All donations raised for Stride for Life are used for programs and resources for cancer patients and there families," Morales explained. "They are all free of charge from the American Cancer Society. We appreciate the support that we get from the El Paso community. We are very proud of our volunteers."
Many Fort Bliss soldiers volunteered at the walk, which included the Fort Bliss Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.
"I volunteered with the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club to better my community," Said Sgt. Crystal Tichenor, a Sergeant Audie Murphy Club candidate assigned to Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss. "I think it is important for soldiers to be involved in the El Paso community. It shows that we care."
For more information and cancer resources for the Fort Bliss and El Paso community visit the American Cancer Society's website at www.cancer.org.
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