Chestnut Branch Park in Mantua will be the setting for the first Gloucester County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event is meant to rally Mantua and other nearby communities in the fight against breast cancer.
The free, one-mile walk is the result of a partnership between the township and the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
It was also the idea of Mantua resident Ashley Levinson, a breast-cancer survivor who hopes to provide individuals with breast cancer access to support groups and treatment options.
“In 2022, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a tough time finding support,” she recalled. “I found it with Making Strides for Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. It was an incredible organization and I realized I needed to give back to them.”
The walk will include screenings with doctors from regional hospitals as well as discussions on treatment options to increase breast-cancer awareness. Its guest speaker will be Lu Ann Cahn, formerly of NBC10 and a breast-cancer survivor, who will talk about her experiences and how to stay motivated in the face of adversity.
“One of the most important aspects of this event is to provide support for cancer survivors,” Levinson explained. “Anyone who is a breast-cancer survivor or someone who lost a loved one to it can participate in the event.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will mark the start of the walk and include survivors as well as those who lost someone to breast cancer. There will also be food trucks and activities for kids, and local businesses can donate a portion of their proceeds to breast-cancer research.
Gloucester County has one of the highest rates of breast cancer in the state compared with other counties. According to nj.gov, it acounts for 13.3% of all cancer cases and 7.8% of all deaths.
As for the walk, Levinson praised the township for its efforts to promote breast-cancer awareness.
“I thought it was imperative and important for people to learn about local resources,” she said. “The mayor and (and the community) have been so open in taking part in this event and how it affects Mantua Township.”
