Walking against Breast Cancer

On Sunday, October 15, 2006, AIT-ORD employees and their friends and families participated in the 7th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® walk.

More than 10,000 Making Strides walkers turned out to the Chicago event, helping the American Cancer Society raise over $800,000, hovering just below their $1 million goal.

Because of such a tremendously successful year of internal fundraising efforts through the “Making Cents of Cancer” project and the highest percentage of employee involvement since becoming a corporate sponsor for the MSABC event, the AIT Charity Committee was able to present the American Cancer Society with a “big check” for $45,285.70 at the walk site.

“It was wonderful to see thousands of people turn out for the Strides walk with over 200 of those attendees representing AIT,” said Charity Committee member Barb Novello, whose team included a group of approximately 20 students from the University of Illinois. “Of course, everyone ‘walks the walk’ for their own personal reasons. But whatever those reasons may be, we need to keep moving forward, trying to find a cure (or prevention) for this disease soon.”

“I really felt like a small, yet important part of the walk,” said veteran walker Ruta Kasubaite, who participated in the MSABC event for the first time last year. “I’m fortunate enough not to know anyone close to me affected by the disease, but it’s a wonderful cause and I really feel for those people. The highlight of this year’s walk for me was getting the opportunity to meet families and friends of Team AIT who were all there for the same cause.”

Veteran walker Reggie Cosico adds, “I participated in the walk a few years back and it was nothing like this year’s event – definitely a lot more people participated, which to me means that in addition to money being raised, increased awareness of breast cancer is being raised.”

“I am very proud to be a part of Team AIT, “ said Charity Committee member Dee Stewart. “The people that step up so willingly to give and raise the dollars necessary are the people who are champions in my heart. This is not done by a few; it’s done by hundreds of dedicated people working towards a common goal to someday eradicate breast cancer.”

Collectively, all three of the Illinois MSABC sites have raised over $1 million and had close to 15,000 participants striding to find a cure for the deadly disease.

With the funds raised, the American Cancer Society is able to continue being the largest nongovernmental supporter of breast cancer research and patient services.

“I find it very inspiring to participate,” said Arlene Spidale. “Life goes by so quickly and we need to take time not only for ourselves, but for those who need our help and support.”

The amount of funds raised by AIT doesn’t stop at $45,285.70; donations are still being collected and the total dollar amount will be determined on November 3. Stay tuned for the post dollar amount!

Hats off to all AIT employees for an impressive year of making a difference in the fight against breast cancer!