Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Moves from The National Mall to Six Flags America, October 6, 2013

UPPER MARLBORO, Md., Oct. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is moving to Six Flags America. Due to the government shutdown the National Mall is unable to host the annual event.  The walk, a staple in the fight against breast cancer, is moving to Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro, Md. just 20 minutes outside of Washington D.C.

"Making Strides helps the American Cancer Society continue to be the world's leader in the fight to end breast cancer," said Cathryn Burby, senior director of community engagement for the Society. "The money raised at this event helps the Society do the most for people with breast cancer today to end the disease tomorrow.

One in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to us for help and support. Those critical resources are funded through efforts like Making Strides. We simply couldn't allow the federal government shutdown and consequential closure of The National Mall to stop our event and the incredible progress we are making in the fight against breast cancer. We are grateful to Six Flags America that they came to our side in our hour of need to relocate our Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk."

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting nearly 300 communities to finish the fight. Every breast cancer walk and event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to honor those who have battled breast cancer, raise awareness about what can be done to reduce the risk of breast cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with research, information and services, and access to mammograms for women who need them.

"We are so honored to have the opportunity to partner with the American Cancer Society for their annual Making Strides walk," said Rick Howarth, park president for Six Flags America. "We have been a long-time supporter through donations for the walk so when they called to say they needed help with a new location we did not hesitate. Cancer stops for no one and Six Flags America is privileged to host this worthwhile endeavor to stomp out breast cancer."

The expected attendance for Making Strides is estimated at 2,000 walkers from the Metro region. Walkers will wind their way through Six Flags America property beginning at 9 a.m. and completing their walk by 11 a.m. Six Flags is offering all Making Strides participants the opportunity to play in the park at the conclusion of the walk with a special buy-one-get–one-free ticket.

Registration is currently open online for $25 until 5 p.m. Friday, October 4 or walk-up registration on Sunday, October 6 for $35 per walker. Interested walkers can register at makingstrideswalk.org/washingtondc.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest regional theme park company with $1.1 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest^® and Holiday in the Park^®. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

Visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/SixFlagsAmerica, or on Twitter at @SixflagsDC    

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. As we mark our 100th birthday in 2013, we're determined to finish the fight against cancer. We're finding cures as the nation's  largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

SOURCE Six Flags America