Lisa Strader is devoted to educating people about breast cancer.
The Bayside High School English teacher knows firsthand about fighting the disease and how it affects friends and family.
“I’m open about my story,” she said. “I feel I might be able to educate and save lives.”
The school has rallied around Strader for the American Cancer Society (ACS) “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” 5K walk Nov. 2 at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Strader is one of the walk’s volunteer lead event coordinators.
Staff and students will be out in full force, some walking with team “Teachers Schoolin’ Cancer,” and others as volunteers.
The Bayside High choir will sing the national anthem, the National Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) will present the flag, and cheerleaders will energize the crowd during the opening ceremony.
Strader knew she was at risk for breast cancer. She was just 17 when her mother lost a 10-year battle with the disease. As an adult, she had regular mammograms.
In 2014, a screening detected a three millimeter tumor that led to a biopsy and a breast cancer diagnosis. Strader said if she had waited until the tumor was noticeable by touch, the cancer would have likely progressed to Stage 4, the most advanced stage of cancer.
She chose to have a double mastectomy. The mammogram “saved my life, 100%,” she said.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, except for skin cancers. According to the ACS, about 310,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year.
The median age for a breast cancer diagnosis is 62, which means about half of the women diagnosed are under that age.
Bayside High junior Natalie Stephens plans to volunteer again at the “Making Strides” event. In the past she’s helped at a water station, encouraging participants along the walk route.
Her aunt was successfully treated for breast cancer and needed a lot of support, Natalie said. The walk is fun and “helps educate and bring everyone together.”
Jordyn Lotito said she’s happy to join the important cause again. The sophomore recalled how emotions flowed when she and fellow cheerleaders cheered for the breast cancer survivors as they were introduced at the event.
“She is truly inspiring,” Jordyn said of her former teacher, who she credited for helping her through a challenging health diagnosis.
Two years ago, Strader established the nonprofit organization, “The Pink Ribbon Effect.” The goal is to help improve the quality of life for those diagnosed with breast cancer.
This past spring, the group’s annual golf tournament, “Tee’d Off at Breast Cancer,” raised $9,000. Added with monies collected for the 2023 walk, the donation was about $16,000.
Walk proceeds will help breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers through their journeys, help fund breast cancer research, and provide information and support to help people reduce their risk or find it early when it may be more treatable.
Saniah Carter’s grandmother is a breast cancer survivor.
It’s important to know about breast cancer and how it affects the entire family, she said. The Bayside High junior said it was scary watching a family member go through chemotherapy and lose her hair. “It takes a toll on everyone,” she said.
She described the walk as “an impactful event.”
“It’s a completely positive and pure environment and everyone has their own story,” Saniah said.
Click here for information on the walk, and click here and type in “Lisa Strader” to support team “Teachers Schoolin’ Cancer.”