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local area spotlight An event to promote breast cancer awareness On October 7, 2006, more than 350 people gathered in mid-Indiana for the annual Hope for Howard County Pink Ribbon event, including about 115 breast cancer survivors.  Speeches given by a local survivor, a local caregiver, and Dr. Annette Moore, a new oncologist in the area, helped to support the event’s focus. "In one morning, over 300 people heard a very important message regarding the early detection of breast cancer and were encouraged to share that message with their mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends," Lane Robinson, a planning committee member, said. Participants were asked to bring a completed Tell A Friend form. Tell A Friend is a program that is designed to increase early detection of breast cancer. Through the program, trained volunteers contact five friends or acquaintances to encourage them to get a mammogram. Those that brought a completed form were entered into a drawing for a pair of pearl earrings donated by a local jeweler. Another highlight to the event was taking the pink ribbon picture. Participants at the event were each given a pink balloon, directed outside, and formed into a pink ribbon for an aerial photograph. "Recognition of our survivors and breast cancer awareness are really the main highlights of the event," Tina Harland, area executive director of the Mid-Indiana Area Service Center, said. Breast cancer survivors participated on the planning committee and this aspect helped to draw participants to the event. Having the event in October, Breast Cancer Awareness month, helped to increase the number of participants as well. "I think for a lot of people, it is a way to support someone who is fighting breast cancer and for others, a way to honor someone who has succumbed to the disease," Robinson said. "There was a tremendous feeling of strength and determination in the room. Breast cancer was a bond that I’m sure none of us wanted to share, but it was comforting to know that we aren’t alone and that others present were there supporting us every step of the way." The message that was given at the Hope for Howard County Pink Ribbon event is one that should be remembered every day of the year. If you live in the mid-Indiana area and would like to participate in the event next year, contact your area service center at 888-635-9260. If you would like to learn more about Tell A Friend or breast cancer awareness events in your area call 800-ACS-2345. Pictured above: Hope for Howard County pink ribbon picture | |
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