Around 250 students turned out after school last Friday for the Dragon Guided Activities Program (GAP) & Lady Dragons ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Charity Walk.?
The walk was held in the Fieldhouse Track at Lake Orion High School, though a good deal of walkers braved the cold and went outdoors for their two miles.
Though the walk was the centerpiece of the event, it was the many tearful speeches that came beforehand which organizers hope will have a lasting impact on the students.
Cancer survivors Laura Urlaub and Patty Marchese spoke to the crowd of walkers in the auditorium, as did Lauren Konchel of the American Cancer Society.
Also on hand were Kara Braxton, from the recent WNBA Champion Detroit Shock, and Fox 2 Healthworks Reporter Deena Centofanti, a Lake Orion resident.
‘It’s about taking control of your life and making good choices,? Centofanti said, stressing that healthy eating, exercising and avoiding things like smoking and drinking alcohol can reduce risks.
It was the fifth straight year the walk has been hosted at LOHS and the fourth annual walk involving both the GAP and Lady Dragons sports teams.
‘This is really all about unification,? GAP Coordinator Ben Gerdeman said of bringing all of the fall teams together.
Gerdeman and Girls Basketball Coach Steve Roberts helped to put the event together.
‘The most we have ever had before was about 100,? Gerdeman said, praising the record turnout.
All of the walkers did a lap together inside the Fieldhouse before some journeyed into the cold, as another symbol of unification.
Gerdeman said that about $1,600 was raised, with Jet’s Pizza providing refreshments after the walk, which lasted about 20 minutes.
But Gerdeman said getting the students out to hear the inspirational messages from people like Urlaub, his neighbor, and Marchese, the mother of basketball star Cara Booker, was most important.
‘Cancer is an awful thing, no doubt,? said Urlaub, a two-time survivor. ‘Practice your faith above all else and put your trust in the right places.?
All of the speakers encouraged the group of onlookers to be there for older family members and to ask the questions that could help them prevent a detection that is too late.
Konchel said that although it is unlikely for students as young as high school age to be diagnosed with breast cancer, young people should still be on the lookout.
For more information, she encouraged calling 800-ACS-2345 or visiting www.cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society held its annual ‘Making Strides? walk on Belle Isle on Oct. 14.