MINNEAPOLIS –Many positive steps have been made in the fight against breast cancer, and that will continue this fall with the first* *"Making Strides Against Cancer" breast cancer walk on Oct. 15 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
"This is something bigger than we've ever done – something bold," said David Benson, Executive Vice President of the Midwest Division for the American Cancer Society.
The walk, announced Thursday during a press conference, will be the first community event of its kind held at U.S. Bank Stadium and will be led by the ACS and its partnering sponsors, including the Minnesota Vikings and KFAN Radio.
The Vikings were **recently recognized by ACS** for their work with the "A Crucial Catch" campaign in 2015, including the Breast Cancer Awareness game against the Chiefs on Oct. 18.
Tami Krause, Director of Women's Initiatives and head coach for the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders, has partnered with ACS through both of her roles with the Vikings. Krause said she is especially excited for the upcoming walk because of a personal connection.
"My mom is a breast cancer survivor, so it personally touches me," Krause said. "But I also know the impact we can have by partnering together. We have a longstanding relationship between the American Cancer Society and the Minnesota Vikings, and we're just excited about taking that to a new level this year in all different areas […]. We can do exciting things together, and this is just the first step."
"Voice of the Vikings" Paul Allen offered his thanks for those who have put so much work into the campaign to help other people. Allen said he's always willing to do whatever possible to further support the effort.
"[Considering] everything we generated last year for the American Cancer Society, I'm always here to help," Allen said.
Benson said that one of every two women diagnosed with breast cancer will turn to the ACS for support, and they provided 21,000 services to Minnesotans in 2015. The Making Strides Against Cancer event will feature noncompetitive 3- to 5-mile walks and will help the ACS continue to provide assistance to individuals battling breast cancer.
"I think everybody has been touched by cancer, and even more specifically by breast cancer," said Brad Madson, Vikings Executive Director of Community Relations. "I can tell you that one of our highlight events is our [A Crucial Catch] luncheon."
Madson explained that the event gives current players a chance to sit down and spend time with survivors and caregivers impacted by breast cancer.
"While the survivors and caregivers love meeting our players, I can tell you that it comes back two-fold to our players – how inspired they are by the courage and the warmth of these folks that are battling this disease," Madson said. "It makes them realize that they're playing a game, and these folks are really fighting for their lives, and they're the true inspiration."
