COMERICA BANK employees are helping thousands to fight breast cancer. Over 250 employees participated in this year's walk and raised more than $45,000.
”You have breast cancer.”

The words caused Denise McLaughlin to cry out in anguish.

“There was no emotion in his voice, when the doctor told me,” recalled McLaughlin, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2000. “Even though my aunt and other friends were breast cancer survivors, nothing could have prepared me to hear those words. He said, ‘I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that you have breast cancer.’ I didn’t wait to hear the good news. I immediately started screaming and crying. He walked out of the room, leaving me and my husband alone. Then he came back a few minutes later to give us the good news. ‘The good news is that the cancer isn’t in your lymph nodes and can be cured.’”

Seven years later, McLaughlin is cancer free and joined thousands in the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) annual “Making Strides for Breast Cancer” walk held October 13 on Belle Isle.

For Comerica Bank Vice President Cassandra Buckham, the walk was especially personal.

“I’m a cancer survivor,” said Buckham. “I survived liver cancer and several of my family members and friends are breast cancer survivors. Two of my friends died from the disease. I walk to increase awareness and the survival rate for others. Cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence. It makes me feel good to work for a company that cares and is active in the community. It’s so encouraging to see other cancer survivors. We can beat this disease, if we come together.”

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor starting from cells of the breast. It is the most common form of cancer among women, and the second leading cause of death for women in the U.S. taking the lives of over 40,000 women each year.

According to the ACS, most breast cancers start in the ducts. Some begin in the lobules and other tissues.

Since organizing the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk in 1993, over $230 million have been raised in the U.S. by 3.5 million walkers. Last year, more than $40 million was raised.

About $750,000 was raised during the Belle Isle walk.

Lacing up their sneakers were about 250 Comerica Bank employees who raised more than $45,000 and over $150,000 during the last five years.

“Comerica has been a great partner to us. They are one of our flagship sponsors,” said Beth Grant, ACS Area Executive Director. “The dollars that they raise truly enable us to do so many programs in the metro Detroit area and across the nation, aiding in research, education, advocacy and services for cancer patients and their families. Comerica has gone above and beyond our goal of $25,000 for flagship sponsors.”

For newly diagnosed patients, the walk offers encouragement and optimism about the future.

“Hope starts with early detection. The best defense against breast cancer is finding it early, when it’s most treatable,” said McLaughlin. “All women 40 and older should get a mammogram every year. Tell a friend, tell a family and spread the word. It’s so amazing to see employees at Comerica Bank and other companies walk beside survivors and their families. It shows that they’re not just about making money and care for the people in the community. There are so many lasting friendships made. It makes me proud to be a breast cancer survivor.”