Fewer people have been getting life-saving breast cancers screenings since COVID, according to a report released at an American Association of Cancer Research convening in July of this year. This erased any ideas of potentially cancelling the Annual Compton Walk for a Cure breast cancer awareness event.
“Cancer is not cancelled due to COVID, and neither is our fight to end it,” said CUSD Board of Trustees Vice President, Satra Zurita, who co-hosted the 9th Annual Compton Walk for a Cure with her sister, former Compton City Councilmember Janna Zurita. The event was hosted in partnership with the Compton Unified School District and St. John’s Well Child and Family.
Although held, as the tradition, at Centennial High School in Compton, this year the walk had to take on a different look in light of the COVID pandemic. “We couldn’t let this year go by without doing an event, continuing our work of creating awareness of the importance of screenings and early detections, and bringing people together—at least virtually—to celebrate,” said Janna Zurita.
The VIRTUAL walk began with a swag parade, in which almost 500 people lined up in cars, decorated with messages of hope and memorializing those who have both survived and lost their lives to the disease. They paraded through the center quad of the school, honking and celebrating.
“I come every year—my sister is a cancer survivor and we had to celebrate her courage and her fight. I am so glad they did this,” said one excited participant.
I’m more than proud to support this year’s event,” said President Micah Ali. “We cannot let COVID make us forget that cancer is real and taking steps to get screened is still an important message to get out. Plus, our Compton community of survivors and family members of those who have battled the disease, deserve this day.”
CUSD Board Member Alma Pleasant and Compton City Councilwoman Tana McCoy also participated in the social-distanced kick off celebration, which featured a testimony from a Cancer conqueror as well as a warm-up. Participants walked on their own and celebrated virtually in their own neighborhoods and walking spots.
“This event was always very important to my family and I, but it’s meaning became even greater for me personally after being diagnosed with breast cancer myself three years ago. I am deeply grateful to the sponsors and volunteers who made this day possible,” shared Satra Zurita. “Again, Compton proves that it has some of the most resilient, amazing people on this planet.”
In addition to St. John’s and Compton Unified School District, sponsors of the event included SEIU Local 99, Teamsters 911, UPS, Get Ahead Writing, Bulletin Displays, Family Business Tattoo, Bulletin Displays, and Graphic Prints. Photos enclosed. For a video recap: https://youtu.be/f5nxIOzPerc.
