TaTa Trot supports those living with cancer

By: 
Ann Gill
Editor

    It’s the most common cancer among women and with early detection and improvements in treatment millions are winning the battle with breast cancer.
    As a group of local women know all to well, the fight against breast cancer is waged everyday. The goal among this group of survivors and supporters is to promote breast cancer awareness and provide financial support for those fighting the disease.
    The fight once again comes to the village of Carbon Hill this weekend where hundreds of runners and walkers will lace up their running shoes for the eighth annual TaTa Trot, a 5K run/walk to support the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Breast Health Center at Riverside Medical in Kankakee.
    The walk steps off from Carbon Hill Park at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 8. Spectators are welcome to come out and cheer on the walkers and runners as they make their way along the 3.1 mile course.
    The walk was started by a group of women, including cancer survivors, who wanted to do a local event after taking part in an ACS Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk. The event is currently organized by a team comprised of Beth Carlo, Camie Johnson , Tami Maland, Marge Mlyniec, Carrie Robinette, Cheenah Mitsdarffer, Bridget House, Brittany Carlo, Rita Maland, Cassidy Johnson, Chase Mincey, Eric Outsen, Peter Maland and Connor Jerz.
    The organizations goal is to raise $15,000 from its annual events—the 5K held in October and the summer Ride for the TaTa’s.
    Since its establishment in 2010, the TaTa Trot has raised well over $50,000 to support women and men living with the disease and to contribute to live saving research.
    According to a report released this week by ACS, “death rates from breast cancer in the United States have  dropped 39 percent between 1989 and 2015. This translates to 322,600 deaths avoided during those 26 years.”
    Although good news, ACS also reports by the end of the current year 252,710 people will have been diagnosed.
    At this weekend’s walk a special area within the park will serve to honor those who won the fight and encourage those who are in the midst of battle. A variety of other supporting activities are planned including a comments from Robinette, who works with ACS.
    Members of the Coal City High School Poms will participate in pre-race events, local Girl Scouts will conduct a flag ceremony and Shannon Baer will present the National Anthem.
    Same day registration gets underway at 8 a.m. and the cost to participate is $35. Additionally, a raffle will be held to generate additional funds.
    Proceeds from the event will be split between Riverside Medical and ACS.