At the event, Mayor Cindy Johnson proclaimed October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Alpena.

“National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a platform for educating women about the importance of early detection of breast cancer,” Johnson said during her proclamation. “Detection of breast cancer at an early stage greatly improves the chances for successful treatment and survival.”

Johnson added that she encourages all residents of Alpena to recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Max,” program director at True North Radio Network, also spoke during the opening remarks before the walk began, outlining the role of Zonta and their contributions to the community.

News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz Participants are seen walking along the Zonta Walks for Women route on Saturday, starting from the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.

“The goal of Zonta is simple,” Max said. “Working to create a better world for women and girls.”

Max added that all the proceeds that were raised at the Zonta walk on Saturday stay local.

“They’re directed to MyMichigan Health’s Breast Services Department and Friends Together,” Max said.

Max also introduced Zonta’s honorary chair, a survivor of breast cancer. This year’s chair was Liz Scribner, an Alpena resident, wife, and mother of three sons.

In her speech, Scribner explained that she first learned about her breast cancer diagnosis in August 2021, the last day of her family’s summer vacation. Scribner was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer at 31 years old.

Scribner stated that she had to undergo a mastectomy, reconstruction surgery, and also had lymph nodes removed. At the time of Scribner’s surgery, her care team discovered that her cancer had spread to her lymph nodes.

Scribner said that she began chemotherapy in December 2021. Over the course of five months, she underwent 20 treatments, which included a round that was nicknamed “The Red Devil.”

“And rightly so,” Scribner added.

Scribner described a moment during her treatment when her husband and children helped her shave her head before her hair began to fall out.

“With cancer there are so many unknowns and so much left out of your control,” Scribner said. “So I decided that if cancer was going to take my hair, that I was going to decide when.”

Scribner said that the day she completed chemotherapy treatment was “one of the most emotional and happiest days of my life.”

Eventually, Scribner had all her lymph nodes removed from her right side. Following those removals, Scribner began radiation in July 2022. In total, she completed 27 radiation treatments.

On Sept. 8, 2022, Scribner said she “rang the final bell,” marking the end of her cancer treatments.

Following Scribner’s speech, she was given a bracelet to commemorate her journey.

Max thanked participants and sponsors of the event once more before participants officially began the walk.

“Today we stand with mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, colleagues, and friends who have been affected by this disease,” Max said. “We remember those who we’ve lost to it. We pray for the day that breast cancer will no longer take a single life and a cure is found.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.