MAKING STRIDES
AGAINST BREAST CANCER OF DETROIT
PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET
DIGITAL STRIDES GUIDE
Thank you for registering for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Detroit!
Our digital strides guide will help lead you and your team to a successful Strides season and will give you access to mission and fundraising resources. Expect updates to be made throughout the 2024 Strides season!
Let's Get Started!
The American Cancer Society started Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to unite communities, companies, and individuals with a collective goal to end breast cancer as we know it. You, your family, friends, coworkers, and community members can all attend Strides and get involved!
What can you expect when you join Making Strides? From the day you sign up through October, you’ll be fueling the fight against breast cancer by fundraising and spreading awareness.
Here are five easy steps to get going:
Build Your
Team!
Invite friends, family, and coworkers to join in. The bigger your team, the more fundraising you can do, and the bigger impact you can have on breast cancer.
Set Goals!
Make a plan with your team. Set your group and individual fundraising goals and strategize fun ways to reach them.
Raise $!
All you have to do is ask. Seriously. Send emails, spread the word via social media, start a Facebook Fundraiser, and don't forget to use the FUNdraising app!
Celebrate!
Celebrate all your hard work while remembering the powerful impact your team is having on the fight against breast cancer.
Step 1 - Sign Up!
Receiving this digital kick-off guide should mean you are already registered! Thank you for signing up to save lives. If you have not yet registered, please go to makingstrideswalk.org/DetroitMI and get signed up.
- Customize your dashboard! Once you have registered, customize your dashboard with a picture and message for anyone that sees your page. Here is a guide: Dashboard Customization Guide
- Download the ACS FUNdraising App! Once you have this app downloaded on your phone, it makes it easier to accomplish the next 4 steps. Watch this quick video that shows all the tools of the app: FUNdraising App Overview Video
Step 2 - Build Your Team!
Teams can be as large or small as you want them to be and be made up of anyone who has a passion to fight breast cancer! You could start a team with your company, book club, sports team, school, etc. and help us spread awareness and raise life-saving funds. Not everyone who joins your team needs to be present on walk day, so family and friends near and far can join in on the fun! Here are some steps to build your team:
- Type of Team - First think about if you want to form a team with your family, friends, company, organization, book club, school, sport team, etc. Know a survivor, thriver or someone who has been impacted by breast cancer? We have special perks just for them! Ask them to join your team or make a team in their honor. When a survivor or thriver registers for the event, they will input their t-shirt size and a survivor/thriver shirt will be sent to them to wear to the walk.
- Reach Out - Send emails, text, call, or post on social media to ask people to join your team. Make sure to include the link to your team page and ask people to press "Join this team". If you customized your page - you can even create a unique team link on your dashboard! We have resources here to help with that!
- Need Help Registering?
- Share this flyer for step by step instructions: How to Join A Walk Document
- Please reach out to your local event manager or call 1-800-227-2345 and our hotline can help register someone over the phone.
Step 3 - Set Goals!
Make a plan with your team. Set your group and individual fundraising goals and strategize fun ways to reach them. Have fun with it & make it your own!
- Ask each team member how much they think they could raise through Facebook fundraising, hosting a fundraiser, or collecting other donations. Add it all up to make your team goal! Individual fundraisers can also earn special perks with our Strides Rewards Program or our Elite Fundraiser Programs. Check out the store: shopacsrewards.org
- If your team just wants to host one team fundraising event - that is great too! Could be a bowling event, pizza party, dress-up days at work, dine-to-donate, change collection, custom pink t-shirts, block party, pink game, golf outing, etc. Here is a helpful planning document for your team fundraiser. More ideas on this in Step 4!
- Teams who create a customized goal and a plan to reach it are often more successful than ones who do not. Download and print off this Fundraising Thermometer to keep track!
- Have team members download the ACS FUNdraising App to keep track of donations, send thank you notes and accept all forms of payment!
- Fundraising is not required to attend the event; however, all of the services, work, and research the American Cancer Society provides depends on fundraising. We appreciate any and all donations - every dollar makes a difference!
Step 4 - Raise Life-Saving Dollars!
Fundraising isn't all we do, but all we do depends on it. Donations fuel our mission to save more lives from breast cancer. Want to see how your donations make a difference? Check out our mission section!
Not sure how to get started? All you have to do is ask. Seriously. Send emails, spread the word via social media, start a Facebook Fundraiser, and don't forget to use the FUNdraising app! The app can keep track of all your donations and you can send texts and emails through it to say thank you or ask for donations! Check out this flyer with Fundraising Ideas for your team or our Fundraising Ideas Page.
Individual Fundraisers
- Facebook Fundraising is great for new fundraisers and can be an easy way to raise $100+. Watch this video to learn how.
- Once you connect your dashboard to your Facebook Fundraiser - make sure your Facebook Fundraiser say's "(Your Name)'s Making Strides of Detroit fundraiser" to ensure it is set up correctly!
- Company Matching - Check if your company has a matching gift policy! Matching gifts are another easy way to donate to a great cause.
- Other ideas:
- Tag 10 friends on social and ask them to donate $10 each = $100
- Dime Challenge
- Create a challenge - "If I raise $500, I will do ____ & if I raise $1,000, I will do ___", etc. Keep it fun and something your friends or family might want to see! Some great examples of challenges - dye hair pink for a week, wear a pink tutu/wig to work, run/bike/pushups for X amount, sing karaoke, wear your rival team's gear to a game, eat hot wings, etc.
Group Fundraisers
- Group fundraising can be a lot of fun! Teams have hosted golf outings, pink games at their local school, dress-up or jean days at their school or workplace, raffles, auctions, bake sales, chili cook-offs, car shows, pink parties, t-shirt sales, dunk tanks, etc.
- Corporate teams - check out our Corporate Toolkit to help! (updated soon for 2024)
- More helpful resources for company teams or sponsors
- Create a Wall of Hope at your business or restaurant
- School Fundraisers
- Set up a pink game & honor survivors at the game
- Check out our Schools vs Cancer program for Elementary Schools
- Fundraising can be done at any point throughout the year - not just October!
Step 5 - Celebrate & Get Ready to Stride!
Celebrate all your hard work while remembering the powerful impact your team is having on the fight against breast cancer. Here are a few tips and thanks to expect on walk day:
- A great place to start for is on our website under the Event Details Section.
- Expect to see LOTS OF PINK! Feel free to wear team t-shirts, carry signs, and have a lot of fun celebrating the survivors, thrivers, and supporters in our amazing community!
- Event Experiences:
- Survivor/Thriver Tent - Exclusive tent just for survivors or thrivers
- Check-In/Registration Tent - Place to register or drop off donations
- Merchandise Tent - Buy Making Strides apparel
- Sponsor Booths - Visit booths from our generous sponsors
- Photobooth - Take a group picture & tag us on Facebook or Instagram
- Giant Pink Chair - Get a picture on our giant inflatable chair
- Music - Be prepared to dance, get warmed up for the walk, and listen to our brief opening ceremonies before we start the walk
- Follow us on social media for more event updates and information
Check out our 2023 video to catch a glimpse of what to expect:
Resources
All of the links throughout the document and more are located on this page. Please feel free to use, share and download resources or share ACS Mission Information with your team!
Websites
- MSABC Detroit Website
- Detroit MSABC Walk Event Details
- MSABC Detroit Linktree
- ACS Strides Resources
- Best website for all ACS volunteer resources & is always getting updated with new resources
- Rewards Store - shopacsrewards.org
Team Resources
Registration & Team Building
- How to Join A Walk Document
- Dashboard Customization Guide
- ACS FUNdraising App
- FUNdraising App Video Walkthrough
- Team Fundraising Planning Guide
- A-Z of Team Recruitment
- Survivor T-Shirt Flyer (updated soon for 2024)
Team Fundraising Resources
- Participant Toolkit
- Fundraising Ideas Flyer
- Fundraising Ideas Page
- Facebook Fundraising Flyer
- Facebook Fundraising Video
- Fundraising Thermometer
- Dime Challenge
- Create a Wall of Hope
- October $500 Calendar
Corporate & Sponsor Teams
- Corporate Toolkit
- Matching Gifts
- Resources for Companies & Sponsors
- Dress Casual/Jean Day at Work Flyer
Other Fundraising Programs & Rewards
- Strides Rewards Program
- Elite Fundraiser Programs
- Schools vs Cancer program
- Crucial Catch Program (NFL, HS, Youth)
- Detroit Men Wear Pink
Social Media
Social Media can be a great way for people to connect and share information. Help us spread the word about our walk and mission by joining our Facebook group, sharing our event, and tagging us in pictures! Don't forget to use the hashtag #MSABCDetroit
Cancer Info & Mission Programs
- National Cancer Information Center (NCIC)
- Call: 1-800-227-2345
- Live Chat or Video Chat Options: www.cancer.org
- Available 24/7, 365 days each year
- Road to Recovery - We are in need of more drivers in our area!
- Reach to Recovery Program for Breast Cancer
- Lodging Programs
- All ACS Programs & Services
- Your Donations Make a Difference Flyer
The American Cancer Society
Our vision
End cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Our mission
Improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Who we are
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
3.5 million fewer cancer deaths
Invested $3.1 billion in cancer research since 1991, contributing to 3.5 million fewer cancer deaths.
Access to care for all
Advocating for high-quality, affordable health care for everyone, including closing the Medicaid coverage gap, through our American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network℠.
Direct patient support
Providing multiple support programs for people with cancer and their caregivers, including a home away from home at our Hope Lodge® communities when they need to travel for treatment and free access to cancer information via our 24/7 helpline.
Every cancer
Only nonprofit supporting people with
all types of cancer through advocacy,
research, and patient support.
Prevention and screening
Educating and advocating for healthy lifestyles and environments, including promotion of regular screening, and serving as a trusted source of screening recommendations for health care professionals.
Every life
Ensuring everyone has an opportunity to
prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
More than 80% of our revenue is invested in delivering our mission.
The only nonprofit with over one million volunteers working in local communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
55 million total lives impacted each year. And counting.
Our National Impact
228,000
rides to treatment in 2022
Over 250,000
NCIC calls annually
500,000+
nights of lodging in 2022
More than 80%
of our revenue is invested in delivering our mission.
50
th
In 2022, Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi, a research chemist at Stanford became the 50th Nobel Prize winner who was funded by ACS and the first-ever female to win the award.
The only nonprofit with
over 1 million volunteers
working in communities across the US and PR.
ACS has invested over $5 billion in research.
3.1 billion invested since 1991
contributing to 3.5 million fewer cancer deaths in this time.
Our National Research
our investment in funding life-saving research
Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has supported researchers at pivotal points in their career – to give them the support they need to keep great research going or to take their ideas from dream to reality. We are proud to have helped more than 24,000 investigators make important advances in prevention, early detection, treatment, and care for those with cancer.
Here are just 10 of the countless cancer advances we have supported:
- Discovering that tumors need blood vessels to grow and spread, which subsequently led to the development of drugs that prevent the formation of new blood vessels
- Pioneering work in bone marrow transplants that led to successful bone marrow transplants in humans
- Furthering knowledge of genes linked to breast cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Laying the groundwork for a new multiple myeloma treatment, Darzalex (daratumumab)
- Finding a key driver of the blood cancer chronic myeloid leukemia
- Gaining insights that inspired researchers to investigate and confirm that tamoxifen can both treat and sometimes prevent breast cancer
- Investigating new approaches that would make possible the first targeted cancer therapy to receive FDA approval, Rituxan (rituximab)
- Performing studies that paved the way for the development of the breast cancer drug Herceptin
- Providing some of the strongest evidence linking cigarette smoking with lung cancer and higher overall death rates, leading to the landmark 1964 Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health
- Providing the first epidemiological evidence that obesity increases risk of premature death, and helping establish the link between obesity and death from breast, colorectal, and other cancers
Our Michigan Impact
$150,000
in transportation & lodging grants awarded to MI hospital partners
3,582 nights
of lodging provided at our Hope Lodges for MI residents in 2023
6,963
NCIC calls or Reach to Recovery calls received from MI residents
870+ rides
provided to MI residents through our Road to Recovery program in 2023
$15.76 million invested in Michigan-based research through 25 grants at University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, & Van Andel Research Institute
Our Michigan Research
our investment in michigan funding life-saving research
The American Cancer Society is currently funding 25 grants in Michigan totaling more than $15.76 million as of February 2024.
Michigan State University
Olivia Aspiras, PhD | $217,500
Todd Lucas, PhD | $1,779,750
Bryan Smith, PhD | $792,000
Van Andel Research Institute
Scott B. Rothbart, PhD | $792,000
Kelsey Cochrane, PhD | $217,500
Wayne State University
Theresa A. Hastert, PhD, MPP | $729,000
Lauren M. Hamel, PhD | $844,500
Eric Sebzda, PhD | $300,000
Kristen Purrington, PhD, MA | $792,000
University of Michigan
J.C. Brenner, PhD | $240,000
Geeta Mehta, PhD | $786,000
Lauren P. Wallner, PhD, MPH | $1,203,000
Steven J. Katz, MD | $1,404,000
David Lipps, PhD | $819,000 & $30,000
Daniel L. Hertz, PhD, PharmD | $761,000 & $30,000
Priyan D. Weerappuli, PhD | $195,333
Erin F. Cobain, MD | $437,400
Wajd Al-Holou, MD | $583,200
Diane Harper, MPH | $792,000
Shelby Hemker, PhD | $147,500
Sravya Palavalasa | $217,500
Anthony Scott, MD | $729,000
Guizhi Zhu, PhD | $766,000
Want to hear from one of our ACS-funded local researchers?
Click below to watch a video from Dr. Todd Lucas at Michigan State University - Flint Campus
BREAST CANCER FACTS & STATISTICS
Why We Fight
Female breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer
as the most commonly
diagnosed cancer worldwide
An estimated 313,510, people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024: 310,720 women and 2,790 men. An overall increase from 2022.
In 2024, an estimated
8,590 people
will be diagnosed with
breast cancer in the state of Michigan - the
10th highest in the nation.
Breast cancer alone accounts for
of newly diagnosed invasive cancers in women
Among Black women, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and has surpassed lung cancer as the leading cause of death among Black women (in 2019)
There are more than
3.8 million breast
cancer survivors
in the US today, including
those who completed
treatment and those still
undergoing treatment
The death rate from breast cancer
dropped 42%
from 1989 to 2019 as a result of earlier detection through increased awareness and mammography screenings, as well as advances in treatments
Survivor Stories
Meet Tess, a breast cancer survivor directly impacted by a clinical trial, and Dr. Jagsi, an ACS funded researcher at the University of Michigan responsible for that clinical trial, are reunited and share their experiences from the perspective of a patient benefiting from cancer research and a woman in science saving lives through research.
Meet Rashanda, a cancer survivor, and learn how supporting the fight against cancer can help us break socioeconomic barriers to keep families together – because no one should be disadvantaged when facing cancer. Don’t wait until it’s someone you know. Join the movement, today. With your support, the opportunities to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, are limitless.
Meet Melitza and learn how, thanks to the help of volunteers across the country, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events help ensure the American Cancer Society can be there at every step of an individual's breast cancer journey. We believe families should be able to stay together. Help us end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone.