There are few things in life that are more touching or inspirational than seeing an entire family come together to support one of their own during a serious healthcare challenge. That is exactly what Samantha, Lauren, and Emilie Scalise did throughout their mother Stephanie’s breast cancer journey eight years ago. When they learned their mom was cancer-free in the spring of 2016, the daughters wanted to give back and honor their mother. They did so by launching Strides for Survivors, a 2.7-mile charity walk around the PATH at Chastain Park, with the start and finish outside the Galloway School, the girls’ alma mater.
“I am so blessed and fortunate to have family that has shown not only remarkable resilience, strength, and love throughout the adversity I faced but have given so much of their time and energy to ensure the annual success of Strides for Survivors,” says Stephanie. “Each year the girls have organized, managed and executed all phases of the event. I also can’t say enough about what my husband and father have done behind the scenes all these years.”
Strides has raised more than $75,000 in the last seven years with all proceeds directed to TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, a unique nonprofit that provides critical survivorship services to breast cancer patients of all backgrounds in metro Atlanta and beyond. Proceeds from Strides support the financial assistance program at TurningPoint as no patient is ever turned away due to an inability to pay or provide adequate insurance.
Emilie has recently written a children's book "My Mommy Has Cancer, But She's Still My Mommy.” She was only 11 at the time of her mom's diagnosis, and she wanted to deliver a message to parents, children, and family members alike. Everyone needs to cope with what they are going through in their own way, and Emilie shares what she learned along the way. The book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $14.99.
The 8th Annual Strides for Survivors will take place at 10:30 a.m., January 13.