In 1984, Massachusetts cancer survivor Margery "Margie" Gould Rath wanted to find a way to celebrate fellow cancer survivors by raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Working with a committee of fellow cancer survivors and other volunteers, she created a "move-along-a-thon" called Making Strides Against Cancer to bring people of all abilities together in an event to move the fight against cancer forward. The first event, held in Boston, drew 200 participants and became a yearly event in the city. To take part in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer please click on the sign up button below.

In September 1993, the event officially became known as the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, attracting 4,000 walkers at events in Boston and Manchester, New Hampshire. Since then, Margie’s vision has inspired nearly 5 million walkers to participate in Making Strides events in more than 145 communities across the country, raising more than $340 million to fight breast cancer. Margie remained a dedicated volunteer for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer until she ultimately lost her battle with cancer in 2001.

Margie's legacy lives on, reminding us each and every year that we can each make a difference, make history, and make strides!