The 13th Annual Walk for a Cure took place on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Centennial High School and was attended by an estimated 5,000 families, friends, CUSD staff and scholars, as well as thousands of residents of Compton and the surrounding communities. The huge crowd showed up to help raise awareness around reducing the risk of breast cancer.
Co-founded by Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees Vice President Satra Zurita, who is also a breast cancer survivor, the event was free and featured numerous educational booths and experts talking about breast health and early detection, as well as medical experts performing free exams.
Groups of people were there to unite and inspire one another, uplift cancer survivors and walk and remember those who aren’t with them anymore. Compton Unified high school marching bands and attached units from Centennial, Compton Early College High School, and Compton High School, played songs and entertained the crowds, while attendees enjoyed the numerous booths and collected plenty of free information and giveaways.
Related Stories:
https://lasentinel.net/making-strides-against-breast-cancer-for-the-black-community.html
https://lasentinel.net/beyond-diagnosis-my-breast-cancer-journey.html
A number of CUSD schools brought groups of scholars to the event as well, helping support and walk.
By 8:30 a.., the crowd moved from the booths to Centennial’s football field and listened to a number of speeches from the CUSD Board Members, numerous dignitaries, elected officials, medical professionals, and survivors.
Then, attendees made one of the largest living breast cancer awareness ribbons ever seen on the field, then took to the Centennial track and walked for the cure. Many had signs signifying that they were survivors, showcasing how many years they’ve been cancer-free. Others displayed posters dedicated to friends they knew who had gotten cancer.
The event wrapped up back on the field, as more survivors told their stories and emphasized the importance of early detection to beat cancer. They repeatedly told the crowd to get regular medical checkups and don’t be afraid to seek help if you don’t feel right.
The event served a critical need to bring health awareness to the local community. At last year’s Compton Walk For A Cure, medical experts performed more than 250 exams, and found 30-plus masses, needing additional examinations.
For more information on the event, visit www.Comptonwalk4acure.com
