By Tabeeka James | Co-Founder, Photos by Toba

Large crowd of people walking along Chicago's lakefront trail with the city skyline visible in the background.
Crowd of people walking along Chicago's lakefront path with the city skyline visible in the background.
A group wearing pink attire and sunglasses poses along Chicago's lakefront with the city skyline in the background.
A group of people wearing pink tutus walk along a scenic oceanfront path during a charity event.
People walking along Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline in background during charity walk event.
A large group of people in pink and black attire gather outdoors for a charity event with city skyline in background.
A group of volunteers in blue jackets gather with signs and pink X symbols outside a neoclassical museum building.
Large crowd of people walking along Chicago's lakefront trail with the city skyline visible in the background.
Crowd of people walking along Chicago's lakefront path with the city skyline visible in the background.
A group wearing pink attire and sunglasses poses along Chicago's lakefront with the city skyline in the background.
A group of people wearing pink tutus walk along a scenic oceanfront path during a charity event.
People walking along Lake Michigan with Chicago skyline in background during charity walk event.
A large group of people in pink and black attire gather outdoors for a charity event with city skyline in background.
A group of volunteers in blue jackets gather with signs and pink X symbols outside a neoclassical museum building.

Some moments remind you why you show up.


This year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Chicago, held at Soldier Field, wasn’t just an event . It felt like a reunion, a celebration, and a quiet reminder that none of us walk this journey alone. Everywhere you looked, there were survivors, families, caregivers, friends, advocates, and supporters — walking with names in their hearts, stories in their minds, and purpose in every step.


Rain sat in the forecast, and yes, there was a little drizzle, but then the sky opened up and gifted us the most beautiful sunshine. A blessing. A sign. A “we’re here anyway.” And what a year to be there, the 25th Anniversary of Making Strides of Chicago.


Nearly 10,000 participants came together with one shared purpose: to fight back against breast cancer.

Together, over $710,000 was raise to support the American Cancer Society and their mission to end breast cancer as we know it , for everyone.



Seeing the Portraits of Hope Display & Reuniting With the Ambassadors


Before we even saw the crowd, we saw them — the Portraits of Hope display, standing tall and proud at the entrance of Soldier Field.

We stopped.

We held our breath.

We felt it.




Pink informational banners line a tree-lined pathway in an outdoor park setting.
Pink promotional banners displaying K-pop group advertisements line an outdoor pathway in a park setting.
Pink promotional banner for breast cancer awareness stands on sidewalk near trees while person views display.
Pink and white display boards showing breast cancer awareness campaign portraits and messaging at an outdoor event.
A series of pink promotional banners displayed outdoors with someone in a pink sweater and gray pants posing in front.
Pink advertising banners line a park pathway with people walking past on a sunny day. Tabeeka James.

These weren't just photos, they were symbols of strength, sisterhood, healing, and HOPE.


And then, one by one, our ambassadors arrived. Each one spotted their portrait before we could even wave. Eyes lighting up, smiles stretching wide, little happy dances breaking out right there on the path.


There were hugs.

There were teary eyes.

There was pride, not just in the portraits, but in themselves.


And when they saw us?

They ran toward us — arms open, hearts full . Hearing them say:

“You captured us perfectly.”
“We feel so special.”
“We trust you with our story.”
Was so heartwarming.

When it was time to step in front of the camera again, there was no hesitation . Just trust, love, joy, and confidence.

Moments like that are why we do this.

Person in white outfit poses playfully against pink American Cancer Society backdrop at charity event.
Person in white pants and t-shirt poses against pink backdrop with breast cancer awareness ribbons and logos.
Participants pose energetically against a bright pink American Cancer Society backdrop with ribbons.
Woman in pink sweatshirt strikes playful pose at cancer awareness event with branded backdrop.
Participant in pink sweatshirt strikes enthusiastic pose at American Cancer Society event.
Woman in bright pink sweatshirt poses against pink backdrop with American Cancer Society logos.
People wearing pink outfits pose energetically against a pink American Cancer Society backdrop.
Supporter wearing all pink athletic wear poses confidently at American Cancer Society fundraiser.
Participants wearing pink outfits pose against a bright pink American Cancer Society backdrop at a charity event.
Dynamic poses shown against pink backdrop at American Cancer Society event.
Participant in pink shirt shows enthusiasm at American Cancer Society event with branded step-and-repeat wall.
People in pink shirts and casual attire stand against a bright pink backdrop with American Cancer Society logos.
Participant wearing sunglasses and pink accessories smiles at American Cancer Society event.
Enthusiastic participants raise arms joyfully at American Cancer Society event with pink backdrop.
Energetic dance poses captured against pink American Cancer Society step-and-repeat banner.
Supporter wearing pink tutu and tie-dye leggings poses energetically at cancer awareness event.
Person in pink tutu and patterned leggings strikes playful poses at cancer awareness event.
Person wearing pink tutu and tie-dye leggings poses playfully against pink charity event backdrop.
Woman in light pink jacket and jeans poses cheerfully against pink backdrop at charity event.
A person poses in casual attire against a pink backdrop with American Cancer Society logos and ribbons.
Person in grey sweater and jeans poses energetically against pink American Cancer Society backdrop.
Group photo of participants wearing pink and white at American Cancer Society event against pink backdrop.
Large group photo of participants in pink attire at American Cancer Society outdoor event.
Row of people in pink and casual attire pose together against American Cancer Society branded wall.
Group photo of cancer awareness event participants posing together against pink backdrop.
Cancer awareness event participants gather for group photo with pink branded backdrop.
Wide shot of participants gathered on outdoor stage at charity awareness event.
Outdoor group photos of charity event participants gathered on sidewalk with pink banners.
Pink-themed cancer awareness event setup with banners and participants in outdoor setting.

A City That Shows Up


Chicago showed UP.

Pink ribbons dancing in the wind.

Families holding photos close to their hearts.

Survivors leading with grace and strength.

Music floating through the stadium.

Kids in strollers, dogs in bandanas, volunteers cheering with full hearts.

It was electric. Hopeful. Unstoppable.


This wasn't just a walk. It was community in motion, honoring and celebrating and pushing forward together along our beautiful lakefront.

A large crowd of participants wearing pink shirts gather outdoors for a breast cancer awareness event or charity walk.
A large crowd wearing pink shirts gathers outdoors for a breast cancer awareness event on a sunny day.
A group wearing pink shirts participates in a charity walk event with a city skyline in the background.
A large group wearing pink attire and sunglasses poses together along Chicago's lakefront with the city skyline in view.
A group in matching blue shirts participates in an outdoor event with signs and colorful accessories in a park setting.
Participants in pink attire walking together during a charity event or awareness walk along a city street.
Participants walk along a race course with pink banners and decorations during a breast cancer awareness event.
Volunteers in pink shirts place pink carnations in a memorial display during a breast cancer awareness event.
Large group of people wearing pink shirts walking together in a park during a breast cancer awareness event.
A large group of people walking together in a line along a scenic park path on a sunny day.
A large group of people in pink and black outfits exercise together outdoors in a park setting.
Group of participants wearing pink and white shirts walking together during a breast cancer awareness event outdoors.
Large group of participants wearing pink and white attire gather at an outdoor breast cancer awareness event.
Large group of participants wearing bright pink shirts gather outdoors for a charity walk or run event.
Large group of participants wearing pink and navy shirts gather at an outdoor breast cancer awareness event.
Crowd of people in pink shirts celebrating at an outdoor charity event with white pillars in background.
Large crowd wearing pink shirts gathers outdoors for a breast cancer awareness walk or rally event.

To the ACS Chicago Making Strides Team

Thank you for inviting us, not once but twice, to photograph the Portraits of Hope ambassadors and help share their stories.

At Photos by Toba, we're deeply grateful to be part of this mission.


To the 2025 Portraits of Hope Ambassadors

Thank you for trusting us with your light, your laughter, your strength, and your stories.

You remind us that portraits are more than images, they are:

Proof of courage.

Proof of life.

Proof that hope wins.


See You Next Year


This is why we pick up the camera. Not for the perfect light, but for the moments that don't need it.

We're Photos by Toba, Chicago & Milwaukee-based photography team who believe the most powerful images aren't just beautiful. They tell the truth about who you are. Documenting events like Making Strides is part of that mission: showing up, finding the real moments, and making sure they last.


If you're looking for a photographer for your next event, nonprofit campaign, or personal portrait session in the Chicago area, we'd love to be there.

See you next year, Soldier Field.

Because when hope walks, the world moves with it.


 

Tabeeka James in pink sweatshirt poses in front of breast cancer awareness banner at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Chicago Walk 2025.

By: Tabeeka James | Photos by Toba