Making Strides

Ann Smith, Raleigh, was team DCI’s top fundraiser in 2015.For a third year Duke Cancer Institute has teamed up with the American Cancer Society to serve as local presenting sponsor at the charity's 10th Annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. Last year’s event raised more than $289,000 to support the fight against breast cancer. This year, organizers hope to raise $350,000.

“The American Cancer Society has long supported Duke Cancer Institute through its patient programs and research grants,” says Tina Piccirilli, who oversees DCI health charity partnerships. “The ACS is currently providing more than $9 million in active research grants at Duke, and also supports our patients and their caregivers through its Road To Recovery program, patient lodging program and others.”

Daniel Nickels, RNThe Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, at North Hills Mall in Raleigh, North Carolina. For a second year, team Duke Cancer Institute will be led by oncology breast surgeon and honorary team captain Shelley Hwang, MD, who was recently named to TIME magazine’s list of 100 Most influential People for her research and advocacy for a more informed approach to ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treatments. The DCI's sister team, Duke Women’s Cancer Care Raleigh, is led by Michael Spiritos, MD, a medical oncologist at the newly opened women’s cancer center, located at the former Macon Pond site in Raleigh. Oncology patient navigator Sandy Sonnessa, MSN, MBA, serves as the team’s co-captain.

Duke Raleigh Hospital nurse Daniel Nickels, RN, is also teaming up with the American Cancer Society to perform at this year's Making Strides walk event. Nickels, whose aunt lost her battle with breast cancer, will release his debut album this coming fall. 

Making Strides organizers will host a kick-off soiree for walk participants, breast cancer survivors and sponsors on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel at North Hills in Raleigh. To register, please email Making Strides senior community manager Tracey Smith.

For more information on the 2016 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, presented locally by Duke Cancer Institute, or to join or donate to team Duke Cancer Institute or one of its sister teams, including team Duke Women’s Center, team Renacer and team Floorscape, visit Duke Cancer Institute Making Strides.