Parrish Medical Center’s Vice President of Communications, Community and Corporate Services, Natalie Sellers, has personally experienced the strength, courage and hope of breast cancer survivors.
As the chair of this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, she is the leading voice of this important community event. Known as a celebration of survivorship, an occasion to express hope and a shared goal to end breast cancer, rather than a competitive race, Making Strides is the largest outdoor fundraiser in Brevard County.
The proceeds from the walk go to support such local ACS programs as Road to Recovery (free rides to and from cancer treatment), Reach to Recovery (trained survivor-volunteers who give a measure of comfort and opportunity for emotional support and informed decision-making), and Look Good…Feel Better (teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemo or radiation treatments.)
“Breast cancer affects all of us,” Natalie said. “It is the most common cancer (other than skin cancer) among U.S. women. Serving in the healthcare industry for nearly 20 years, I’ve been inspired by the strength, courage, hope and fortitude demonstrated by everyone that breast cancer touches.”
Locally, the 2014 goals are to raise a net of $275,000, have 298 teams and have more than 11,000 participants at the walk. “We have a great planning committee this year and an amazing team of volunteers so I’m confident we will reach and even exceed these goals this year,” Natalie said.
VITAS is the presenting sponsor for this year’s walk which takes place on October 25 at the Space Coast Stadium. The walk starts at 9 a.m. “On October 25, I’m looking forward to filling the stadium with Pink – talking, walking, and celebrating with breast cancer survivors and fighters; and an inspirational day where the Making Strides walkers turn awareness into action to help save more lives,” she said.
Parrish Medical Center has been involved with Making Strides and American Cancer Society for years. The medical center has the only 
certified and nationally recognized Breast Health Navigator in the County and an accredited cancer program.
“The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk is a wonderful example of the amazing strides that can be made when people come together for a common cause. And, it’s just a really fun and fantastic community event for an important cause.”
Here’s how you can get involved: Form a team, become an event sponsor, and/or meet specific needs of the event by making an in-kind donation. Call your local American Cancer Society at (321) 253-0361 or email Michelle Oesterle at Michelle.Oesterle@cancer.org
