MMwit in California: Making Strides 2017
Did you know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women? In fact, in 2017 about 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed, as well as 63,410 new cases of carcinoma, a non-invasive type and the earliest form of breast cancer.
Each year at Modernizing Medicine, employees are encouraged to sport pink attire on Wednesdays throughout the month of October to recognize and support those who have battled breast cancer. For the second year, members of Roseville’s Modernizing Medicine Women in Innovation and Technology (MMwit) group teamed up with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Sacramento, Calif., to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness month and to support all of our friends, family and others that have been impacted by this disease.
Every year walks are held across the country to raise awareness and funds to help save lives from breast cancer. Each event is a noncompetitive 3-5 mile walk that brings people together to make a difference. Funds raised are put towards innovative research, free information and support to help reduce the risk cancer and early detection.
Consisting primarily of Modernizing Medicine’s Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) professionals, our team successfully raised funds with individual donations and also sold customized “Pink Wearin’ Wednesday” Modernizing Medicine silicone bracelets. Our $528 contribution exceeded our team goal of $500. We raised $253 in just bracelet donations alone and the other Modernizing Medicine office locations supported us by selling bracelets as well. The event raised over $475,000 and we were happy to contribute.
In fact, the Event Coordinator at the American Cancer Society heard selling bracelets was part of our fundraising strategy, and she personally requested one since she thought it was a great idea.
The event took place the morning of Sunday, October 22, 2017, in beautiful downtown Sacramento. The weather was perfect for a brisk morning 5k. We met early and stopped for coffee first for an added boost. Amy Hatfield and Mr. Doug (her puppy), Gina Trone, my family and I joined over 20,000 other walkers and supporters. Adding to the event were great vendors that provided giveaways and informative handouts. The food tent, sponsored by Sprouts, nourished all the walkers with fresh fruit, granola bars and water. Inspirational and uplifting music played loudly throughout the starting line area to get the walkers motivated and pumped up for the walk.
I was personally proud to walk, since I have seen the effects of breast cancer firsthand. My grandmother is a two time breast cancer survivor, but my aunt lost her battle when her disease returned in June of 2015 after beating it back in 2012.
I am proud of our team for exceeding our goal, having a good time and most important giving back to a great cause. We’re already looking forward to 2018!