Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Central Maryland Top Fundraiser

Breast cancer survivor Yolanda Watkins, who is a pastor in Fort Washington, MD, decided that when she reached her 10-year survivor anniversary this past year, she would join a breast cancer walk. “For years I had wanted to do a walk. My mother passed away from breast cancer at age 46, which is a fear of mine. On my mom’s side, my great grandmother passed away from breast cancer, and I have two cousins who are breast cancer survivors,” she said.

She did her research and discovered the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Central Maryland. Participating “was a dream come true,” said Yolanda who involved her congregation at Shekinah Glory Worship Ministry in the walk. “My husband is the pastor, and I asked him if the whole congregation could be excused that Sunday.” Yolanda organized Team Pink Shoe Journey that grew to be 45 people strong. Yolanda was the number one fundraiser for the walk, and her team raised an amazing $2,291 to help save more lives from breast cancer. The team came by van and carpooled for the drive to Making Strides at Watkins Park in Mount Airy. “The location and setting of the walk are wonderful. It was an outreach opportunity outside our church. We all loved it,” said Yolanda.

Due to her family history, Yolanda began having mammograms early at age 35. But six months after her first mammogram which was negative, she felt a lump and had another mammogram followed by a biopsy. She remembers being in a state of shock when she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2012. After a grueling six months of treatment with side effects that included blood clots and a collapsed lung, followed by a mastectomy, she went into remission. Since then, she has been a fierce advocate for mammogram and provides support and encouragement for others touched by breast cancer in her congregation. “I have my mammogram annually in October on my mom’s birthday,” she said.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk of Central Maryland took place on Sunday, October 16 and is close to reaching its fundraising goal of $102,000. Donations are still being accepted through year’s end at: www.makingstrideswalk.org/centralmd