American Cancer Society Launched Faces of Hope Campaign
The campaign highlights personal breast cancer journeys to bolster awareness and research funding in New York City.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Cancer
The American Cancer Society has introduced its Faces of Hope campaign this October to share patient experiences. The initiative features local participants preparing for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Central Park.
Why it matters
This campaign serves to amplify breast cancer awareness while generating essential funding for research and patient support services. By spotlighting individual stories, the organization seeks to foster community connection and improve outcomes for those affected.
Each campaign honoree is committed to raising $5,000 to support breast cancer research. Participants include individuals like Jacqueline Lukasik, diagnosed with stage 1 cancer, and Jenny Maenpaa, diagnosed with stage 2A cancer at age 39.
The players
American Cancer Society
This nationwide voluntary health organization is dedicated to eliminating cancer through research, education, and patient advocacy.
Jacqueline Lukasik
A campaign participant who received a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis in June 2023.
Jenny Maenpaa
A participant diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer at age 39 on December 31, 2024.
The details
Participants in the Faces of Hope campaign share their personal breast cancer diagnoses and treatment journeys to raise awareness. These honorees are currently preparing to participate in the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Central Park.
Timeline
June 2023: Jacqueline Lukasik received her initial breast cancer diagnosis.
December 31, 2024: Jenny Maenpaa was diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer.
October 2026: The American Cancer Society is conducting its awareness campaign.
October 18, 2026: The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place in Central Park.
Health Landscape
This initiative extends the long-standing model of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk by integrating personalized storytelling into regional fundraising efforts. It reflects a broader trend of health organizations using patient-centered narratives to increase public participation in cancer advocacy.
Residents can support the campaign by donating to individual honorees or participating in the walk scheduled for Central Park. These efforts directly translate into increased funding for patient services and research programs that serve the local community.
The takeaway
Breast cancer advocacy relies heavily on individual participation to meet research and support funding goals. Those interested in the cause should consider contributing to local honorees to directly impact the success of regional research initiatives.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and support options on the New York City Cancer page.
More information
For more information on breast cancer support and research, visit the American Cancer Society information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AmNewYork.
