Atlanta Podiatrists Support 2025 2-Day Breast Cancer Walk

At Ankle & Foot Centers of America (AFCOA), we believe that healthy feet aren’t just essential for mobility — they’re the foundation for walking strong through life’s challenges. That’s why this year, our team is honored to volunteer and participate in the 2025 Georgia 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, supporting the Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (GAABC) in its mission to increase access to care, reduce disparities, and uplift survivors across the state.
gaabc.org

Why We’re Involved

Breast cancer affects thousands of families in Georgia each year, and the 2-Day Walk is a powerful way to take action, raise awareness, and contribute meaningful support. The event spans 30 miles over two days — with walkers staying overnight at a hotel between legs of the journey. All funds raised through the walk remain in Georgia, fueling grants for mammograms, clinical breast exams, genetic counseling, biopsies, and support services—especially for underinsured and underserved individuals.

As a health-oriented podiatry practice in Georgia, we see this as a natural extension of our commitment to community wellness. Every step walked during the 2-Day helps remove barriers to care, and our participation underscores that even foot health professionals can step into roles of caregivers, advocates, and community partners.

Our Volunteer Roles & Contributions

Our team is contributing in multiple ways:

• • • Crew Support on the Trail
      Some of our clinicians and staff will serve as crew along the walking route: managing rest stations, distributing water and first aid, cheering on walkers, and providing foot care advice (blister prevention, stretches, etc.).
    • Foot Health Checkpoints
      Given our podiatric expertise, we’re setting up mini foot health checkpoints along the route. Walkers can stop in to ask quick questions, get simple foot care tips, or request blister treatment supplies.
    • Fundraising & Sponsorship
      AFCOA is proud to be a sponsor of the event. Our employees are organizing internal fundraising efforts — bake sales, “pink socks” days, social media campaigns — with 100% of those proceeds going to GAABC’s breast health grants.
    • Awareness, Education & Support
      During event gatherings (opening ceremony, survivor breakfast, closing ceremonies), our staff will distribute educational pamphlets on foot care during long-distance walking, proper footwear, and injury prevention. We’ll also highlight the intersection of mobility and health — reminding participants that their ability to walk is, in part, sustained by strong foot and ankle care.

  Journeys of Courage

  One of our lead podiatrists, Dr. Gregory Alvarez, shared:

  “Walking 30 miles over two days is a feat of endurance — not just for the heart and lungs, but for your feet. Blisters, swollen ankles, tight calves — those all threaten a person’s ability to continue. We want to be there, mid-route, to support their journey and help them arrive at the finish line strong.”

  We’re also encouraged by the stories of breast cancer survivors who lead the Victory Lap, the final half-mile that celebrates resilience and community.

  Having the chance to treat or advise even one walker to push forward — or help someone avoid a painful blister — is a meaningful way to give back.

  

  What You Can Do to Help

  • • • • • Register / Walk / Crew — Whether you’re up for the full 30-mile walk, a one-day leg, or helping as crew, your participation matters.
          • Donate or Fundraise — Every dollar raised in Georgia stays in Georgia. The grants funded help women in over 100 counties access critical breast health services.
          • Share & Advocate — Use your voice and networks: on social media, in your workplace, among family and friends — to raise awareness about the walk and the need for accessible care.

  Looking Ahead

  We’re excited, honored, and humbled to play this role. And of course, we’ll share photos, stories, and reflections from the walk on our blog and social channels. Our hope is that this collaboration will not only further GAABC’s mission, but also reinforce the message that every step counts — in a walk, in life, and in community care.

  Here’s to walking strong — together.