Reflections on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 2024

It has been a little over a week since I attended the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 2024 event in Santa Clara, California. This was my fourth year participating, and while Making Strides has annual traditions such as the Wall of Hope, the cheer teams at the starting line, and the party-like atmosphere, each year feels a little different. This year, as I quietly set up my table in the darkness of the early morning, I thought about the complete brutality of a breast cancer diagnosis, and the treatment that so often ensues; the importance of community, particularly among women; how coping mechanisms can range from spiritual and measured, to downright silly and absurd, in the face of something so awful. Starkly diverse realities and emotions exist just below the surface of this shiny pink event.

Having never had breast cancer, I inevitably find myself approaching events like Making Strides feeling like an outsider. So many of the women present are enduring a hardship I have never known. It makes me feel self-conscious; like an imposter. And yet, this club doesn’t gatekeep. Quite the opposite, as all are welcome in the movement to end breast cancer. Before long, I remember why I came and my anxieties fade away. Here are my reflections on the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 2024 event.

What I Learned from Conversations With Making Strides Participants

First, so many other “outsiders” are also supporting the movement to end breast cancer, that we are, in fact, all part of the club. For example, in chatting with the woman volunteering at the booth next to me, I learned that she had no family history of breast cancer, nor close friends with the disease. She simply wanted to support more charity initiatives in her community and Making Strides fit into her calendar. She was an enthusiastic volunteer all morning long and the best neighbor. In the digital age, when online activity is displacing personal connections, it is heartening to continue to see examples of America as a nation of joiners.
Second, it’s not “just hair.” The phrase, “it’s just hair” is easy to utter to a loved one going through chemotherapy, in a desperate search for a morsel of good news. What I recently learned, and spoke about with a few women at the event, is just how painful this phrase can feel. For many women, whether we realize it or not, hair is an integral part of our identity, both internally and how to present to the world. Shrugging off the loss of hair as a minor side effect, downplays the emotional toll this loss takes on the woman. I’m sure I’ve stated these words in the past, and for that I am so deeply sorry. Onward.
Third, breast cancer does not discriminate. Although I already knew this idiom to be true at an intellectual level, there is nothing like spending the morning meeting women from all walks of life, ages, ethnicities and beyond who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to fully internalize this truth. Seeing is believing.

Things I Love About the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Event

The Silicon Valley event raised $420k and counting at the timing of writing this post, cruising past the $400k goal. Woohoo! The American Cancer Society uses this money to fund essential breast cancer research and programs. In 2024, when breast cancer awareness has been raised, it is meaningful to see actual dollars raised for research.
A few recipients of my donated quilts from past years found my table, introduced themselves and said how much they loved their quilts. Meeting these women meant so much to me. I hope this year’s winner feels the same way about her quilt!
Everyone dresses to impress, and it’s not just for the ‘gram. It is so easy to start a conversation with a stranger if they are wearing a crazy pink hat, tutu or the like. There is joy in the silliness and camaraderie in all the pink.
Shirl Jam is a ball of musical energy and just right for this event.
Logistics. It may not be the flashiest of titles, but I have to say, the Making Strides Silicon Valley team knows how to put on an event. From easy parking, to ample signs and a schedule that runs like clockwork, smooth logistics are the unsung hero of any event with several thousand people in attendance. Kudos to the team.

Starting Line
Team Spirit
Survivor Flair
Mr. Pink
Shirl Jam Rocking Out
My Donated Quilt at Dawn
Wall of Hope

My Plans to Support the Movement in 2025

With Breast Cancer Awareness month in the rear view mirror and 2025 on the horizon, I’m thinking about the future. I plan to be back at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Silicon Valley in 2025 with another donated quilt and goodies on hand. In addition, I would love to find a way to get the word out about supporting patients one-year after their diagnosis, when the initial wave of care may have waned. Feedback welcome! Furthermore, I am thinking about modifications on my Pinksplosion quilt, to expand my offering in this beloved pink palette.