“Making Strides to End Breast Cancer” walk held at East Park Saturday

by Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer –

MASON CITY – With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, the American Cancer Society held their fourth annual “Making Strides to End Breast Cancer” on Saturday morning at East Park in Mason City.

One of the teams that would be walking was “Save Second Base.” On behalf and in support of Cathy Kaune, a breast cancer survivor and friend, they walked. “In 2010, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Mammograms are important for every woman to have on a regular basis,” reminds Kaune.

The Head Quarters Salon & Spa earlier this week has a Hair Cut-a-thon to raise money for breast cancer awareness. “We were able to raise $300 to bring today. It was a good night,” said owner Jan Thilges.

Andrea Goedderz, Community Relations with the American Cancer Society, had a short program planned before the 5K walk. She introduced Jodi Sunken and Trinda Dight, both breast cancer survivors, as guess speakers.

“When I was 39, I was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer. I didn’t even know there was a stage 0. I can’t stress enough the importance of having a mammogram,” said Sunken.

“I’m alive to tell my story,” exclaimed Dight. “With the help of the people around me, the love and support, I made it through, even the bad days.” It was hard for Dight to hold the tears, as she gave credit to the people in the crowd that helped her through that difficult time.

As a girl, I'm concerned, says Erin Galindo — As a girl, I’m concerned, says Erin Galindo.

After the survivors were done telling their stories, nine year old Erin Galindo from Hampton, sang. “I don’t know anybody that has had breast cancer, but being a girl, I need to be concerned too.”

Zumba was next. A warm-up for the walkers. Shortly, after 10:00 am, the walkers started their walk around East Park. Some walking individually, some with their families, some with their dogs and some in teams, but all in love and a common bond of “Making Strides to End Breast Cancer”.

“As you guys make strides, make sure you understand what your doing. It’s not just a walk in the park, your really, truly, walking for the world, for breast cancer and for more birthdays,” said Goedderz. Later, looking round, she guessed there was around 300 walkers, “We have more than last year and that’s great.”