But for Judy Gloden and Mary Montoya, two Michigan residents who are the faces of this year’s national campaign, Making Strides is much more than just a walk to raise money for breast cancer.

Judy Gloden, Lansing, MI
Judy Gloden made sure she had yearly mammograms after watching her mother, now a 23-year survivor, battle breast cancer. It was after her routine screening in 2006 that Judy learned she had breast cancer. She called the American Cancer Society for answers. "I just picked up the phone and called. Whenever I had a question, I’d call back."

It was through these calls that Judy found out about Making Strides and accepted an invitation to attend the kick-off breakfast. The event sparked her motivation and Judy called on family and friends to start her own team of nearly 30 people, including her mom.

"It was very emotional being there with my mom," said Judy. "Seeing all those survivors together is really an emotional but amazing time."

Judy is spreading the message about early detection every chance she gets. "I wear my pink ribbon every day and people are always talking to me about breast cancer," said Judy. "Strides is an opportunity for survivors to get the word out about early detection and increase people’s awareness about getting their yearly mammogram."

Mary Montoya, Portland, MI
When Mary Montoya noticed a rash on her breast in 1999, she turned to her doctor. After a mammogram and two biopsies, Mary was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, an uncommon type of invasive breast cancer. She started treatment immediately and that same day, she received a visit from an American Cancer Society volunteer and breast cancer survivor.

"She let me know that it was possible to live through it," said Mary. After recovering from treatment, Mary decided to take part and help out. She turned to cancer.org and found out about Making Strides.

"I do just about anything that is breast cancer related," said Mary, who has been walking with her family as a Making Strides team leader for six years. "If we’re going to beat this disease, we have to come together to make a difference for other women."

Mary is also active in advocacy efforts to increase access to care and improve treatment procedures. "Progress is being made every day," said Mary. She encourages women to get their yearly mammogram and not take anything for granted. "Together we will find a cure."

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the premiere breast cancer event of the American Cancer Society. To find a Strides event near you, visit online at www.cancer.org/makingstrides or call us toll-free at 1-800-ACS-2345.

Pictured: Judy Gloden (top right); Mary Montoya (bottom right)