VERO BEACH – Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) is the American Cancer Society’s premier event to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. More than just the name of a walk, it describes the amazing progress that has been made to defeat this disease. Team leaders and cancer survivors are invited to join event chair Annie Grace Foster and her committee for a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kick-off Reception, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the Oak Harbor Clubhouse. Foster’s executive committee is completed with Gretchen Bibeau as vice chair, Terri Schmalfus as team recruitment chair and Dee Giannotti as on-line chair. For more information about the kick-off reception, please call Betsy Craig at (772) 562-2272 ext. 112. Fifteen teams have already formed in response to a special incentive for all individual striders registered on line and raising $100 before the kick-off reception. Teams are encouraged to register on-line now at www.cancer.org/stridesonline. Striders are breaking in their sneakers in anticipation of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, “The Walk,” which will take place on Saturday, October 17 at the Sebastian River Medical Center, 13695 U.S. Highway 1. Sebastian River Medical Center is the presenting sponsor for this 2009 Indian River County event. Other sponsors are Perkins Medical Supply, HealthSouth Treasure Coast rehabilitation Hospital, Rosato Plastic Surgery Center, Sassy Boutique, Michaela G. Scott, MD, Windsor Properties, Inc., Robert and Sandy Brackett, William H. Frazier, MD.Participants organize teams of two or more people and each walker collects pledges from their families, friends and co-workers. Team leader kits are available at the kick-off or the ACS office and each walkers is encouraged to raise a minimum of $100. Now is the time to organize your own team! Another option is to sponsor a walker with a generous, tax-deductible contribution or volunteer your time and talents on the day of the event. A special breast cancer survivor’s reception will be held at the new Marriott Spring Hill Suites in early October. Call the American Cancer Society at (772) 562-2272 ext 115 for more information. This is the only American Cancer event where monies collected are dedicated to a specific initiative. In this case, funds are applied towards breast cancer research, early detection, education and advocacy as well as patient services for breast cancer patients. The success of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer depends on you! Join more than one-half million walkers around the country to help give others hope. Call Nancy Madsen, area executive director at (772) 562-2272 ext. 115 or visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline to sign up. The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.