The statistics are staggering: approximately 182,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and another 40,000 will have their lives taken from the disease. The good news, however, is that there is progress being made thanks to enhanced research, education and prevention. Awareness and funding are an important part of finding a cure, which is why Symetra has partnered with the American Cancer Society (ACS) to sponsor the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk.
In Bellevue, Wash., home of Symetra’s corporate headquarters, more than 40 Symetra employees volunteered at the annual 5K Making Strides Puget Sound walk held in September. Some laced up their walking shoes, while others marshaled the course and ran the registration tent with partners from Overlake Hospital. By morning’s end over $24,000 had been raised, contributing to the $200,000 in funds raised through ACS’ annual campaign.
Employees of Symetra’s Miami office also took part in Making Strides, walking in the October event in downtown Miami, Bayfront Park. The team was led by dedicated community volunteer, Delois Howell of Symetra’s Group division. Howell serves on the Operating Board of ACS’ Miami-Dade Unit and is Chair of the Community Education Grant Review Committee of the organization’s Florida division.
“So many women are affected by this disease each year, and some may be our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and coworkers,” says Howell. “That is why it critical for us, as a company and a community, to continue in the fight against breast cancer. And the Making Strides walk plays such an important role in the race to
find a cure.”
For more information, visit: http://makingstrides.acsevents.org.