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History of Stepping Out To Celebrate Life

In 1996 a group of recent breast cancer survivors joined together to organize an event that would raise money for local nonprofit breast health organizations. Two-hundred patrons attended the first annual Stepping Out to Celebrate Life gala, held in a Kentfield garden. From funds raised, a total of $42,000 was granted to the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery Program and the B.R.E.A.S.T. Center at Marin General Hospital.

In an effort to perpetuate this experience, the Marin Breast Cancer Council (previously known as the Marin Breast Cancer Committee) was formed. The popularity of Stepping Out has grown rapidly with many patrons and sponsors looking forward to participating every year. Since 2001 the event has drawn a sell-out crowd of 700+ to the Marin Center Exhibit Hall, the largest facility in Marin County for this type of event.

"When we began this project we just wanted to help each other," says Janice Still, one of the founders. "In helping each other, we helped ourselves, and we developed strength and encouragement and support for so many others."