It takes an army to fight a disease like breast cancer.
That’s why hundreds of Compton Unified School District (CUSD) families, teachers, staff, and officials gathered at Greenleaf Parkway for the Fourth Annual Compton Walk for a Cure.
The yearly event helps raise breast cancer awareness and provides the community with information on early detection and treatment. It is also an opportunity for survivors and their families to share their stories and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to the disease.
Walk for a Cure’s co-hosts included CUSD Board of Trustees Vice-President Satra Zurita, Board President Micah Ali, Board Member Skyy D. Fisher, and City Councilwoman Janna Zurita.
“We’re proud to be here celebrating the lives of many of our friends and family members. We’re creating awareness so that no one dies because they weren’t educated on early detection and treatment,” she said.
“Once you check and they tell you something is wrong, you need to follow up and follow through. Cancer does not have to be a death sentence,” she said. “Prevention is the key but early detection saves lives.”
Compton schools alum Reggie Mason and his great niece Chanique Groenow walked in honor of his niece and fellow alum Evette Sampson, who died of breast cancer last year at the age of 50.
“She was a lover of life, family, and the city of Compton,” he said.
Chanique remembered the last time she participated in Walk for a Cure with her aunt.
“It was wonderful because she was really sick at that time, and the fact that she was able to walk around the park three times was great. She had a lot of fight in her.”
Reggie added, “She never gave up but her body couldn’t take it anymore. Her spirit fought all the way. So we’re walking for her today. It’s our way of keeping her memory alive and reminding people to get checked.”
Ana added that the family lost a cousin to cancer three years ago and wanted to pay tribute to him.
“He was only 40. He had four little children,” she said. “It’s important that women and men are mindful of what’s going on with our bodies. There are many kinds of cancer that we should all be aware of. We should all do our part to teach and help each other so we can save lives.”
CUSD Board of Trustees Member Skyy D. Fisher brought his dog, Rogue, to help support breast cancer awareness at the Fourth Annual Compton Walk for a Cure.
“Breast cancer is an indiscriminate threat that affects women of all ages and all colors here in the city of Compton,” said Board President Micah Ali.
“This event highlights what it means to fight for a cure, what it means to advocate, and make certain that women understand they have to examine themselves, get mammograms, exercise, eat healthy and continue to be vigilant and educate others.”
