Tampa Walks for a Cure
By Stephen Schwanebeck
TAMPA — It’s 7:30 a.m., the sun is still rising and more and more people, including Tribal citizen Nancy Frank, are arriving. Frank and many others attended the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Oct. 27 in downtown Tampa.
Frank herself is a five year breast cancer survivor, who resides in Lakeland, Fla.
“I found out in August 2002, and I survived it,” she said. “You may never know if you have it, so that’s why it is so important to get a check up. I go every three months now.”
Also walking in honor of Frank was her niece, Myra Simmons.
“I walk for my aunt,” she said. “This is my second year.”
The event took place in downtown Tampa and the walk route included a trek down historic Bayshore Blvd. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio kicked off the event with words of hope and awareness as she led the group in the walk.
Organizing the Tampa Seminole Tribe’s participation was Marilyn Stillwell from Family Services, along with Lola Juarez, of Elder Affairs. This is the second year they have been involved and they hope to continue doing so.
“It’s something we all need to be aware of,” said Stillwell.
Jackie Smith, along with daughter Summer, also gave their support and did their part to bring awareness and help fight breast cancer while walking the 5k.
“I really enjoyed the walk and was glad to be able to come this year to support my cousin Nancy,” said Smith.
Tampa community members and employees attended the event along with some of their family and friends including: Kim Cartagena, Jennifer Poindexter, Elizabeth Justiniano, Laura Ellsworth and Stephen Schwanebeck.
Together with the generosity and support from the Tampa community and others, awareness and education was brought to this important women’s health issue, helping the ACS “make strides against breast cancer” as they continue their research for a cure.
To learn more about Breast Cancer and early detection, or to sign up for an email mammogram reminder visit: www.cancer.org/stridesonline.