The American Cancer Society will host a “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” kickoff rally and informational meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11 at Bath Savings Bank, 8 Church Street, to share details about its upcoming community walk.

Now is the time to get involved in the Damariscotta walk, slated for Sunday, Oct. 19, and learn more about Making Strides and how to help finish the fight against breast cancer. To participate in the kickoff call Jessica Laliberte at 207-373-3719 or email jessica.laliberte@cancer.org.

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has been the American Cancer Society’s rallying cry to build awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. In that time, 10 million walkers have collected more than $594 million and last year, 349 walkers in Damariscotta raised more than $66,000!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer funds make a difference by: Helping people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early when it is most treatable; investing in groundbreaking cancer research to find, prevent, treat, and cure the disease; providing free information and services to help people facing breast cancer today when and where they need it including transportation, lodging, wigs, support programs, financial assistance, and more; ensuring access to mammograms for women who need them

“The fight to end breast cancer starts with a single step and Making Strides gives us power to make a real difference in the battle to end breast cancer,” said Jessica Laliberte, Society staff partner. “Not only are we helping those who are currently fighting the disease, we’re helping everyone who hopes to never hear the words ‘you have breast cancer’.”

This year, Damariscotta residents will unite with the American Cancer Society in their fight against breast cancer during the 2014 annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, at The First. For additional details, visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/damariscottame.