Benefit Walk Oct. 21 in Garner to Headline Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities

10/4/2006

Paint the town pink in Garner as you walk in support of a cure!

The Mayor’s Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness is October 21 at Lake Benson Park in Garner, from 10 a.m. to noon. Wake County Human Services’ Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Program (HPCDP) is co-sponsoring the event with Town of Garner Parks and Recreation Department, and 60% of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation-Triangle Affiliate.

The HPCDP Program is sponsoring a countywide Pink Ribbon campaign and encourages all residents to wear pink ribbons in recognition of breast cancer awareness and in honor of women who are now courageously fighting the battle with breast cancer.

Breast cancer touches millions of lives and is diagnosed every day in our community. It is expected that more than 212,000 women and men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 41,000 people will die from the disease in 2006 alone. In 2004 Wake County reported 73 female breast cancer deaths.

Throughout October, places of worship, workplaces, community groups and other organizations will be passing out pink ribbons. Human Services will feature educational displays at three Wake County buildings, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at each site. These will include educational materials and incentives and an opportunity to contribute to the Passionately Pink Campaign:

Thursday, October 5:
Wake County Public Safety Center
330 S. Salisbury St., Raleigh

Thursday, October 12:
Southern Regional Center
130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina

Thursday, October 19:
Human Services-Sunnybrook
10 Sunnybrook Road, Raleigh
(Rex Mobile will be there for preregistered clients)

The pink ribbon has become a symbol of hope for a cure of breast cancer and a reminder that breast cancer does not have to be fatal. More than 90 percent of women whose cancer is found in its earliest stages survive breast cancer and go on to lead full and productive lives. Unfortunately, too many women are not getting the regular breast checkups needed for early detection. These checkups include clinical breast examination, mammography and monthly breast self-examination.

For more information about the Pink Ribbon campaign and related activities, contact Sonya Reid of the HPCDP Program at 919-250-4553.

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