NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans hosted the 2016 annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Kickoff Breakfast for the American Cancer Society at Nissan Stadium on August 24th 2016.  The inspirational kickoff officially launches the breast cancer awareness season that will culminate on October 22nd with thousands of walkers gathering at Nissan Stadium for the 4.5 mile walk to finish the fight against breast cancer.  

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is a noncompetitive, inspirational event that raises awareness and funds to end breast cancer and provide hope to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone. Since 1993, more than 12 million supporters have raised more than $750 million nationwide. Last year, 33,000 walkers in middle Tennessee helped to raise more than $900,000. This kickoff will provide community members the opportunity to learn how to get involved in the Nashville October walk. 

"It's our 15th anniversary, so celebrating here at Nissan Stadium is especially exciting because we've been at the stadium for 15 years," said Debbie Thomas, senior community manager, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society.  "The problem is I kind of wish we weren't here and I wish we weren't having the walk.  I'd like for us to eliminate breast cancer, get rid of the walk and return pink to just being a pretty color.  We walk in unity raising funds to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer." 

This year, Titans longstanding partners, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee and Kroger will serve as flagship sponsors of the event.

"Breast cancer, the battle and the fight against breast cancer is something that reasonates with so many of us," said Melissa Eads, Kroger, marketing and public relations manager.   "We've either been affected personally,or have a family member, or a friend - so it's not hard to rally the troups to get our associates and our customers to want to support this worthy cause.  We are going to be walking and if some won't be able to walk the full 4.5, walk what you can walk and be here to support the cause and have a good time."

"It's almost a game day atmosphere!" said Josh Webber, Farm Bureau Insurance, chief administrative officer.  "Thousands of people are here  showing their support walking.  That's what we are here to do, we are here to support all the walkers from all the different areas and you can sense in the atmosphere that people are here to support the American Cancer Society to try and make strides against breast cancer. That's what it's all about!"

Funds raised through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks enable the American Cancer Society to invest in groundbreaking research; provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer; and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it's most treatable.

"As we join with others in the Making Strides walk, we celebrate breast cancer survivors, pay tribute to loved ones lost, and raise funds to move us one step closer to a world free from the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer," Thomas said.  "From research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery, we provide support to everyone impacted by breast cancer."

"It's never too late to join the fight!   You can reach us for more information at the American Cancer Society office here in Nashville.  We hope everyone who is a Titans fan will come out and join us."

For additional details about the 15th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at 9:00 on October 22nd at Nissan Stadium, visit makingstrideswalk.org/Nashville, TN or call the local American Cancer Society office at 615-341-7324.