Making a difference by taking strides at annual breast cancer walk

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk was held in Veterans Park on Saturday morning, May 3rd.

The event is designed to raise both money, and awareness of a disease which is expected to be diagnosed in more than 4,300 women, this year alone.

Jennifer Ott says she had a one percent chance, but she was still diagnosed with breast cancer.

"I had none of the risk factors. I was young, no family history. Don't think that you're immune because you're not," said Ott.

Saturday, Ott joins the crowd for the annual Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k walk.

"This is our 19th year, here, in Milwaukee, so, yeah, it's phenomenal," said Cody Allen, event specialist.

Allen says some 7,000 people are expected to participate.

"We are celebrating breast cancer survivors. We are remembering loved ones lost to the disease, and we are also here to come together, as one, to fight back against the disease," said Allen.

Alecka Weber is a patient navigator with the American Cancer Society, and she connects survivors to the resources they need in order to battle both bravely, and beautifully.

"We work with any information, day-to-day support, and emotional support. It’s usually groups of eight-to-ten ladies. They sit in a room together, and they do a little make-over, so they get a make-up kit, they all talk about their own experiences, their own, you know, tips that they might have," said Weber.

Health professionals estimate one in eight Wisconsin women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

CLICK HERE for more information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events.