The 2nd Annual Indianapolis “Sista Strut” raises funds for resources and awareness of breast cancer

Indianapolis, Indiana – On Saturday at Victory Field, a local radio station and cancer advocates organized a fundraising walk.

A 3K walk called the 2nd annual Sista Strut was organized to raise awareness of breast cancer, particularly among Black and women of color.

The event was organized by the Indianapolis radio station “Real 98.3” with proceeds going to the Indiana Cancer Support Community. Sista Strut events are held in eleven US cities by its parent business, iHeartMedia.

Participating in the strut was Nina Coley, a community navigator with the Cancer Support Community of Indiana. They are appreciative of the event, she says.

“We provide free programming and services for anybody that has been impacted by cancer,” Coley said. “Not only the person diagnosed but also their loved ones and caregivers. We’re all about mental health, social programming, education, health, and wellness for absolutely free.”

The second most deadly type of cancer after lung cancer, breast cancer was the most common among women in the United States in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the same data, 19.1 out of every 100,000 women die from breast cancer, and 119.2 out of every 100,000 women receive a new diagnosis each year.

The organization also discovered that although White women are more likely to receive a diagnosis, Black women are more likely to pass away, receive a diagnosis later in life, or experience more severe versions of the disease.

BJ “the DJ” Holiday hosts shows for the radio station group. He says it’s an important mission for himself and his company. “We need awareness and to make sure that people understand,” Holiday said. “You got to fall in love with your body because early detection actually can save your life.”

Coley herself is a breast cancer survivor. She is aware of how the illness affects the Black community.

“We are going to celebrate those breast cancer survivors who are still thriving and surviving and also remember those that have their angel wings,” Coley said.
More than 600 individuals registered for the event ahead of walk day, according to the organizers.