Christiana Shaw, M.D., M.S., a UF assistant professor of surgery and a surgical oncologist, co-chaired the 2011 American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5k Walk, held in October. Shaw and Karen Daily, M.D., an assistant professor in UF’s division of hematology/oncology organized the walk and spoke at various engagements across town to promote it.
The event, which took place in downtown Gainesville, drew more than 4,000 participants and onlookers and raised about $168,000 for breast cancer research, prevention and treatment, as well as support for people suffering from breast cancer. Shaw’s team, representing the UF&Shands Breast Center, raised more money than all but one other group.
Several other department personnel and family, friends and patients joined participated in the walk, too.
Shaw said the event’s most meaningful effect wasn’t raising all that money.
“Although it is important to raise money to help support the American Cancer Society programs, it is much more important that we raise awareness about breast cancer,” she said. “Specifically, I think it is important to educate people about early detection and self-breast awareness.”