Almost 300 women were examined at the annual event, 15 of whom had breast masses found and were referred for either mammograms or biopsies.

Despite the rain, over 2,000 people came out to participate in the 7th Annual Compton Walk for a Cure on Saturday, October 13, making it the largest outdoor event in Compton. The day of awareness and inspiration is hosted each year by Compton’s Zurita sisters – Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees Vice President Satra Zurita, and Compton City Council Member Janna Zurita– this year with Compton Unified School District President Micah Ali as special guest co-host.

This is a family affair,” said Compton City Councilwoman Janna Zurita as she welcomed the crowd and acknowledged the families present, including her own. “Thank you, Compton for coming out and showing your support this year and every year since we began the Compton Walk.” Her comments were greeted by a resounding cheer from the crowd.

The occasional drizzle and slightly cooler temperatures did not dampen the spirits of those present…united by their pink attire and by their desire to fight breast cancer. Entire family members came out in remembrance of loved ones fighting the disease and those who have passed on. The Compton and Centennial marching bands and attached units who helped open the festivities seemed to embody the feeling of hope, pride, strength and celebration that all present shared.

Kicking off the event’s opening ceremonies were of course its hosts, along with former Compton City Councilwoman and mother of Janna and Satra Zurita, Delores Zurita; Nanette Barragan, United States Representative for California's 44th district; Current City Councilwoman Tana McCoy; and Compton Unified School District Board Members Alma Pleasant, Margie Garrett, Charles Davis and Mae Thomas; SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Max Arias; and CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley, who was joined at the event by a host of CUSD teachers and staff volunteers.

CUSD President Micah Ali, the day’s special Co-host shared his feelings about the positivity of the day “Being in community—with the people and supporters of Compton—always brings a smile to my face. Today we stood united against a common enemy: the scourge of breast cancer. Here’s to making a difference...together!”

The focus of the walk is to promote breast cancer awareness and early detection by providing health and wellness resources, such as instruction on self-exams, free medical exams and ultra sound screenings provided by Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care. The walk culminated in attendees forming a human ribbon on the Centennial High School Athletic Field. Some cried and many shouted, “It’s a great day in Compton!” as they waved at the drone flying overhead capturing the powerful moment.

Though there was food and fun for the entire family, with food trucks and judo demonstrations, perhaps the most significant part of the day was taking place in classrooms that were converted into breast cancer screening facilities for the day, orchestrated by Dr. Allen’s team of health care professionals from Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care, located in nearby Paramount. Just as quietly as breast cancer can emerge in an individual, its warning signs were detected by Dr. Allen’s ultrasound equipment and staff in 15 of the almost 300 women who received a free screening that day.

“Early detection saved my life that very important day that led to the breast cancer diagnosis I received,” shared Vice President Zurita, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and underwent a double mastectomy. “When I was first diagnosed with this disease, I did not realize that I would become a life coach as a result. I have had the opportunity to encourage and support so many women in my life who have been recently diagnosed, and I am so incredibly honored that my journey can be of benefit to others, whether through creating awareness and encouraging early detection, or walking alongside my fellow women as they face breast cancer head on.”

Organizational sponsors and supporters of the day included UPS, Herbalife, Bulletin Displays, Graphic Prints Industries, Prism Reality, Patria Coffee, The Grocery Outlet, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.