Twenty years. That is how long Concord resident Melissa McAllister has dedicated herself to raising awareness of breast cancer.
McAllister, an Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield program manager, became engaged with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, an American Cancer Society initiative to support and unite people fighting breast cancer in 2003.
In her field of preventive healthcare, she ensures people receive their screenings and tests. So, she is always passionate about initiatives that highlight the importance of preventative healthcare.
“A part of my job is to remind members about all the different types of preventive cancer screenings, including breast cancer,” said McAllister.
McAllister’s first involvement with Making Strides was as the company’s team leader. She recruited a group of employees to walk in support of breast cancer awareness and to raise funds for cancer care.
During the event, she met Kathi Russ, an American Cancer Society volunteer and Making Strides organizer, who asked her to chair future events.
Russ said their fundraising team was innovative, which piqued her interest.
“What makes her stand out is her willingness to do whatever it takes and her skill to tackle a problem or challenge,” Russ said about McAllister’s work with Making Strides.
McAllister’s commitment to breast cancer awareness strengthened after she lost her sister-in-law, Peggy Thomas, a few years ago to breast cancer. McAllister remembers her as an ‘incredibly strong woman.’
‘Mrs. Fine’ is the name of McAllister’s team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
“It is in memory of my sister-in-law,” McAllister said. “Whenever we asked her how she was, she always said she was fine.”
Since the time her children learned to walk and talk, McAllister has included them in her preparation for these events. They’ve been making ribbons, hanging posters, being part of a team, and eventually having their own teams. McAllister’s son started his own ‘Kids for a Cure’ team in middle school.
“She modeled giving back and the importance of helping the community for her family,” said Russ.
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sunday.
Making Strides has become a part of McAllister’s life, and the events have resulted in long-lasting relationships. She believes the power of community coming together can help those in need.
“We’re all driven by the enthusiasm that ideally, one day, there will be no more breast cancer or we’ll have a cure,” McAllister said of the purpose behind her and every other volunteer’s involvement in raising awareness.
