Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago Names Soche Picard as Executive Event Chair

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago Names Soche Picard as Executive Event Chair

Chicago, Ill. – For more than three decades, the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities across the nation in an effort to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone. This year marks a significant milestone for the Chicago walk, as Soche Picard, CEO of Arc Worldwide, will serve as the first-ever Executive Event Chair, signaling a new chapter of community engagement in support of the American Cancer Society’s mission. As a breast cancer survivor and business leader, Picard brings both personal passion and strategic stewardship to the role.

“On October 30th, 2023, 2 days after my birthday, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer,” said Picard. “It was the most terrifying time of my life, but thanks to the amazing medical team at Chicago Medicine, my family, and friends, I am cancer free and thriving!”

1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. For Picard, this statistic is personal.

“The number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is staggering, and cancer doesn’t just affect the patient, it impacts everyone around her," said Picard. "Making Strides isn’t just a celebration for those who are going through or have been through this personal journey. It’s a movement, mobilizing us to fight and raise precious funds for prevention, education and research to hopefully eradicate this disease."

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events in communities across the country have raised approximately $1 billion to support breast cancer research, patient programs, and direct services.

“At the onset, the American Cancer Society was a source of valuable information,” said Picard. “My cancer surgeon, Dr. Sarah Shubeck, suggested I get involved with their Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, where I found my community. Survivors, caregivers, families, and friends all coming together for the most glorious celebration of strength and love.”

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Soldier Field Stadium Green providing a supportive community for breast cancer survivors, caregivers, supporters and families alike.

“We are grateful to Soche for serving as Executive Chair of our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago event. Her leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment to our mission are already elevating this movement,” said Jody Phillips, Illinois Executive Director. “When leaders like Soche step forward, it energizes our community, strengthens our partnerships, and accelerates our impact. Because of Soche’s dedication, we are building powerful momentum toward a $1 million event — and more importantly, toward a future where no one faces breast cancer alone. Thank you, Soche, for leading with purpose and heart.”

MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER CHICAGO - EVENT DETAILS

Saturday, Oct. 17

8 a.m. Site Opens

9:30 a.m. Opening Program

10 a.m. Walk Begins

12 p.m. Site Closes

No Registration Fee, No Fundraising Minimum

As the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support, the American Cancer Society has made significant contributions to the fight against cancer over the last 110 years, including investing in a mammography study that proved it is the best tool for the early detection of breast cancer. There are currently more cancer survivors than ever before, thanks in part to the work of the American Cancer Society.

Yet, there is still work to be done. More than 313,510 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2025. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement working tirelessly to end breast cancer as we know it.

Registration for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Chicago now open, and the event kicks off at 8am at Soldier Field. For more information or to register your team, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/chicagoil.

The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.


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