Olivia Osipovitch, Staff Writer

The city of Utica hosted its very own Breast Cancer walk called “Making Strides of Utica” presented by GPO Federal Credit Union on Sunday, October 16 at Masonic Care Community. The walk brought hundreds of locals from the area as well as Utica College sports teams and clubs who beat the early rain and walked for a cure to show their support.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. It is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in women after lung cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), “The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 37.”

But, with the help in finding the cancer early as well as treatments, rates have been going down.

Right now there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Since October is breast cancer awareness month, there are many opportunities to donate to this cause.

“I am so grateful that we have a cure to this terrible cancer,” said Erica Belsher. “There have been way too many innocent lives lost to not only breast cancer, but any type of cancer, and that is heartbreaking.”

Cancer is like drawing a name from a hat unfortunately, you never know who gets picked.

“I would have never thought I would have to consider myself a two-time breast cancer survivor,” said Sarah Comella. “I know there are many woman like me out there and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, but cancer can’t stop me.”

ACS encourages people to show support for men and women who are currently battling breast cancer as well as honoring those that the cure did not come in time for.

“Breast cancer is something that not only affects the person but the family as well,” said UC alumni Rianna Herring. “It is something that you have to live with for the rest of your life.”

Herring’s mother was a survivor of breast cancer, and is very thankful she is able to wake up every day healthier and happier.

“It has changed my life forever,” said breast cancer survivor Laural Riggles.