The Dodgertown Conference Center was bursting with pink last Tuesday evening as the host of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff event. Event Chairman Brady Ballard, vice president at Historic Dodgertown for almost two years, began volunteering with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides events when he lived in Volusia County. When asked to chair the event here, he knew that Dodgertown would be glad to get on board because of its commitment to the local community and its causes.
“For me, it was more of a coincidental issue that when I was asked to be the chair it was the same week that my aunt had a double mastectomy,” said Ballard, who added that close family members including his grandmother and a male baseball coach at college had breast cancer. “Everybody knows somebody who has had cancer.”
To get ready for the Oct. 17 MSABC walk, volunteers mingled with team leaders, sponsors and supporters while enjoying a delicious buffet prepared by Dodgertown, and learned ways to get more involved and raise funds for the cause.
Abygayle Melton, the youngest strider, learned early on that cancer can affect people of every race, gender and nationality, and that it has no age limits. She began volunteering in the walks when she was 10 years old; celebrating her birthday at her first event.
“I decided to ask for money for my birthday that year to give to the cause instead of presents,” she said. Her third-grade friend died of a brain tumor and she had an uncle who passed from lung cancer. “Now this is what I wish to do every birthday because I just want to help,” she said.
The night was a great way to reconnect with past volunteers, set up teams, get donation pledges started, and get a few tips from former Pacesetters; those who raise at least $2,500 for the event. Lillie Holt, who brought along many of her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sisters, said they were doing their part to assist in hopefully making breast cancer a thing of the past.
Guest speakers included Dr. Nancy Baker, Income Vice-Chairwoman, Lin Reading, Mission Chairwoman, and survivor Elaine Cote.
“I’m proud to be a part of the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, an event that raises more than $60 million a year to put an end to breast cancer,” said Reading.
“Through this journey I felt very cared for, and knowing I wasn’t alone made a difference in my recovery,” said Cote.
Each person present knew at least someone in his or her circle of friends or immediate family who has been affected by breast cancer.
“We have been one of the sponsors for many years,” said Treasure and Space Coast Radio station manager Karen Franke, while on-air talents Rick Lane and Christa Stone helped out as the event’s emcees. “We have three survivors who work in our office so it is very personal to all of us.”
MSABC will take place Oct. 17 at Riverside Park in Vero Beach this year. Indian River Medical Center is the event’s Presenting Sponsor. To sign up for the walk, raise funds or volunteer, call 562-2272.
