BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

by Jeanni Ritchie

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in 2024 more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

But there is hope. Advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival. When caught in its earliest stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%. It is why there is such a strong push for awareness.

Awareness walks and survivor seminars are held in October; pink ribbons adorn outfits. Even NFL players get in on Pink October. Most everyone knows someone who has battled breast cancer.

In Central Louisiana, Christus Cabrini Foundation will host their 7th Annual Gleaux for the Girls (the “Breast Race in Cenla”) on Saturday, October 12th beginning at Walker Toyota, 5735 Coliseum Blvd, Alexandria.

This event brings breast cancer awareness and education to Cenla while also raising funds to expand and enhance local treatment capabilities, rehabilitation programs, education services, support services, and community outreach offered in our area.

100% of funds raised stay local, directly benefitting the CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Cancer Center and Breast Health Center.

Dress up in pink (feather boas optional) and join the fun as you represent loved ones, celebrate remission, or show community support.

Buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2015 Pink Toyota Tacoma (presented by Walker Toyota) or a Pink Alpha Club Car Precedent Golf Cart (presented by Cenla Moto Sport). Winners need not be present. Raffle tickets may be purchased in advance at https://www.christuscabrinifoundation.org/pink-raffle.

Schedule of Events:

6 PM Survivor Happy Hour

7 PM 1 Mile Fun Run Shotgun Start

8 PM Raffle Winners Announced

I’ve had friends and relatives who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. Life doesn’t stop even with a myriad of doctor visits and chemotherapy and bedrest. The kids still have school, dinner still has to be made, and laundry doesn’t fold itself.

Blessed are the women who have helping hands to assist. From Sunday School members tackling housecleaning to Meal Train deliveries set up by friends, from carpool volunteering to school and practices to softball fundraisers, communities rally around their citizens when facing this disease. I’m proud to be in a community where so much love abounds.

If you need help, reach out to one of your more organized friends. This is when her Type A personality becomes desirable. (Trust me, I was told by more than one boss that my annoying need for perfectionistic control was both a hindrance and an asset!)

If you know someone needing help, do not doubt what even the smallest gesture can do. A note with a magazine clipping of an uplifting photo, a casserole to freeze for later, a trip to the drugstore…little acts of kindness have big impacts on the heart.

While this article is generally about breast cancer, these principles of caregiving camaraderie apply to anyone experiencing a hardship including those who are grieving.

As Martin Luther King, Jr said, “Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others.”