Great Strides - 405 Magazine

Great Strides

Walk together against cancer

Wendy Helton Photography

Bob Mallam is one of those guys who is always smiling. He’s larger than life – loves OSU, Garth Brooks and country music in general on KXY Radio. But a couple of years ago, Bob’s smile dimmed when he found out he had breast cancer.  “Anytime you hear the word ‘cancer,’ you are surprised, scared and uncertain,” he says. “Especially since mine was breast cancer – as a male, I had no clue what to expect.” It was just before Christmas in 2016 when Mallam learned his diagnosis. Although breast cancer is more commonly found in women, a small percentage of men will get it, too.

His hospital provided information from the American Cancer Society of Oklahoma, and a friend who had been through a breast cancer diagnosis told him what to expect. “It was an ordeal,” Mallam says. “But I am grateful to American Cancer Society for all they are doing in the area of cancer research. Hope and determination played a part in my fight, and faith was my underlying strength. Cancer is a journey none of us choose, but I am thankful ACS and my Lord and Savior took the steps with me.”

Mallam is one of this year’s “Portraits of Hope,” a small group of cancer survivors who are working to create awareness and raise funds in the fight against breast cancer. He’s ready to participate in the American Cancer Society of Oklahoma’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk – coming up on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Wheeler District, 1701 S Western in Oklahoma City, beginning at 8 a.m.  “I hope everyone who has been touched by cancer will join us,” Mallam says. “So many people have either had cancer or have a family member or friend who has been diagnosed. It’s so important to keep fighting for a cure, and I know together we can accomplish miracles.”

For more information or to register, visit makingstrideswalk.org/okcok.