INDIANAPOLIS — Get ready to strut, Indy! Saturday marks year two that "Sista Strut" will take over Victory Field downtown.
It's a breast cancer support and awareness walk that shines a special light on women, and men, of color.
Sista Strut is a nationwide campaign that has become a tradition in more than a dozen cities. Indianapolis organizers are excited to join in once again.
Dawn Holt can't wait to get her steps in on Saturday, Oct. 21 because Breast Cancer Awareness Month also marks a life-changing "anniversary."
"I was diagnosed Oct. 25, 2021, so that's my 'cancer-versary,'" she said, before proudly sharing that she's now cancer-free.
Holt was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma.
"My cancer had spread to one lymph node. That meant that I was Stage 2," Holt said.
She was only 39 at the time, a year younger than the recommended age to start mammograms.
It was a self-exam that made her call the doctor almost immediately. Holt believes that if she didn't feel that lump herself, she wouldn't be here today.
"I was sitting on my couch on a Friday night watching TV or a movie," Holt recalled, "and I dropped something on the floor. When I went to lean over to pick it up, I felt an abnormality in my breast. It rubbed up against my arm, and I was like ....something's not right."
Black women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with aggressive types of breast cancer, yet are often underrepresented in breast cancer clinical trials that evaluate cancer treatments or other interventions. That's why Sista Strut is not only about representation, but resources.
"Making sure that people know this place is for everyone," Dr. Terry Whitt Bailey said.
Holt was connected to the event through Cancer Support Community Indiana. Bailey, the organization's president and CEO, said in between the fun, fellowship and encouragement Saturday, "we want to make sure that people know that there is opportunity for services for psycho-social support opportunities, for group wellness and meetings and chats," and other resources CSCI provides.
At last year's walk, Holt had just finished treatment and admittedly struggled to find stamina at times. But feeling stronger this year, she promises even more pep in her step when she struts across the finish line.
At last year's walk, Holt had just finished treatment and admittedly struggled to find stamina at times. But feeling stronger this year, she promises even more pep in her step when she struts across the finish line.
"I just have a different lease on life knowing I don't have to be here, that God saw fit to cure me of cancer," Holt said.
Sista Strut is Saturday, Oct. 21 at Victory Field from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's free, but you can register and find more info at this link.