Strength in every step: SDSU Mission Valley hosts Making Strides walk

San Diego State University Mission Valley's Snapdragon Stadium and river park will again host the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk (MSABC) of San Diego. The walk's 28th annual event returns for its second year at the Mission Valley site on Sunday, Oct. 19.

For Francisco “Frankie” Velazquez (‘08, ‘10), assistant dean of students for orientation, transition and family programs, the MSABC Walk is deeply personal. His mother, Rogelia Ortiz Velazquez, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.

"She's been through multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy over the years, surgeries, radiation, hormone therapy — you name it, she’s probably done it," Velazquez said. “It’ll be 16 years this fall, and she's still fighting, still smiling, still finding joy in life. Her strength and spirituality are inspiring in ways that are hard to put into words."

Velazquez said the walk is also a way to honor his mother's determination.

“She has this incredible will to keep going, for us and for herself,” he said. “Being able to celebrate that strength with her at an event like this, surrounded by a community that lifts each other up, it means everything.”

The MSABC Walk at SDSU Mission Valley’s river park and Snapdragon Stadium is open to all survivors, caregivers, families, alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends. Walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate. 

According to the American Cancer Society, since its start in 1993, MSABC has become the largest and most impactful breast cancer movement in the nation. Funds raised through the walk support breast cancer research, advocacy and patient support services.

“The ACS has invested more than $600 million in breast cancer research over the last 30 years, contributing to research that identifies and validates genetic variants associated with breast cancer, and the development of potentially lifesaving breast cancer medication,” said Lou-Anne Eveland, development associate director at the American Cancer Society. 

“Additionally, we help fund breast cancer patient support services, such as free rides to and from treatment, our 24/7 cancer helpline and ACS CARES that connects patients to survivors, and much more,” said Eveland. 

Longtime connection

Velazquez has participated in MSABC since long before his mother was diagnosed with cancer. He first connected with the walk as an SDSU student ambassador during his sophomore year and, every year since, has encouraged students, faculty, and staff to join or create their own teams.

“Wherever you are on your academic journey, whether you’re a first-year student or about to graduate, you can be a part of this,” Velazquez said. “Everyone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer. This walk is a chance to show up for each other, to build community, and to walk away inspired.”

Participants often personalize their teams with t-shirts, banners, or creative names, honoring loved ones and sharing messages of hope, thriving and support.

“Some people might think, ‘I don’t know how I can make a difference,’ but just showing up matters. Smiling, saying hello, cheering people on — it all matters, a lot,” said Velazquez.

“Our SDSU community is known for showing up for others,” Velazquez said. “Having the walk here, on our home turf, is a powerful way to represent San Diego and support people dealing with breast cancer. It’s a day filled with hope.”

Velazquez sees the event as a reminder of the strength found in community and shared purpose.

“Every step we take is for my mother, and for the millions of others impacted by this disease,” he said. “When we walk together, we walk with strength.”

MSABC registration is free, and fundraising is encouraged. Participants can register to join or create a team online. Additional information on the walk is available on the Making Strides of San Diego webpage.