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community focus Raising funds and awareness through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is an American Cancer Society non-competitive walk to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. Money raised from Making Strides supports the American Cancer Society's lifesaving research, prevention, early detection, and support programs for thousands of patients and their families. This year, there are 12 Making Strides events taking place across Indiana and Michigan. Anyone can participate in these October events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  ChaseChase is a flagship sponsor for the Flint, Michigan, event. As a flagship sponsor, the bank is committed to recruiting at least 100 walkers and raising $5,000 to fight breast cancer. "We wanted to bring awareness to the cause and to be a leader in the community," said Lisa McGuire, a Chase executive assistant and breast cancer survivor. The Making Strides event brings together the area branches’ employees, families, and friends in a common mission. "To me, it’s a bond among all of us," said Jamie Ferguson, a Chase branch manager (pictured above with her mother at Making Strides in 2004). "It’s a good feeling to know that everybody in our corporation is aware that we do this, they are happy that we do this, and when it does affect someone they know, there’s someone to talk to. We’re all fighting it." Jamie, who didn’t know about Making Strides before she came to work for Chase, has a personal connection with the fight against breast cancer because she lost her mother to the disease. "The best thing I’ve gotten out of it is that I’m not alone," she said, after being supported through the event by family, friends, and coworkers. She has also felt the community’s support during past events. Flint residents around the walk route greet participants with lemonade stands, cookies, and cheers as they pass. "It will always be a part of my life," she said. Vicki's Chickies  A group of family and friends are rallying around a special woman in their lives, Vicki Wishin, who is currently battling breast cancer, by forming a Making Strides team called Vicki’s Chickies. Joined by Vicki herself, they will be at the starting line for the first time at this year’s South Bend, Indiana, event. "I was really touched that Vicki joined our team. She is the one that we’re doing this for and I think it really shows the positive energy that has helped with her recovery," said Brenda Wishin, Vicki’s sister-in-law, who also lost her mother to breast cancer. "It’s really great to give her the support."Vicki’s Chickies is already more than half way to their $1,500 goal, with the help of their Making Strides website (visit Vicki's Chickies' team page). "I live in South Bend, but I have family all over," said Maura Frailey, who started the team and uses the website to raise awareness of the event and collect donations. "Most of us don’t have time to knock on doors. Using the website and using e-mail has been a great help to us." New members are invited to join the team, and Vicki’s Chickies members encourage anyone who may be interested in Making Strides to get out there and do it. "Every little bit helps," said Brenda. "Anything anyone can do to help is important, it all adds up." To learn more about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and view Making Strides Online webpages to find your local event, visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline. Pictured left, from left are some members of Vicki's Chickies: Kim McInerney, Maura Frailey, Vicki Wishin, and Amanda Wishin. | |
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