With October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, only days away, several Logan County towns are preparing to “Paint LoCo Pink.”
These efforts are designed to recognize the area’s breast cancer survivors, to remember those we’ve lost, and to encourage everyone to seek out early screening.
Wednesday, Sept. 25, Lakeview helped to kick off the tribute in conjunction with the Logan County Cancer Society with an event on Main Street. It included an opening address from Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder, a food truck rally and karaoke. But, mostly, the focus was on surviving the ubiquitous disease.
“During October, we’re going to do as much as we can to spread awareness,” Christie Barns, community outreach manager for Mary Rutan Hospital and Logan County Cancer Society (LCCS), said.
“If you detect something early enough through regular screening, there is help to survive.”
Indian Lake High School cheerleading coach Jamie Ross was also at the event to promote their Pink Out Game against Benjamin Logan High School on Friday, Oct. 4.
This fundraising event has already sold 200 T-shirts for attendees to wear that night.
In addition, the students are holding a bake sale and they’ll pass the hat for donations at the game.
“Our kids have been wanting to do an official Pink Out since covid,” Ross stated. “We decided to get it going this year, and I’m glad we did.”
Educational materials will be available at the game or can be obtained by contacting the LCCS at 937-599-7003. The hospital offers mammograms and other screenings, which are especially encouraged.
“The earlier the detection, the greater the survival rate,” Barns said.
Continuing Thursday, Sept. 26, West Liberty hosted a health fair at town hall as part of their annual Pink Out. Logan County representatives from the cancer society, the health district and other organizations offered advice, screenings, promo materials and even massages.
Sonya Eaton, an educator with the Logan County Health District, discussed cancer exams with Ashley Gier and Rebecca Marker-Smith, both representing Green Hills Community.
Eaton emphasized the importance of men and women testing for all kinds of cancer, including breast, prostate and testicular. Unfortunately, she pointed out, ovarian cancer cannot be tested for, so we need to know what to look for.
“Get exams,” Eaton insisted, “and listen to your body.”
Continuing next week, on Thursday, Oct. 3, Paint LoCo Pink hosts a ceremony in Bellefontaine at 6:30 p.m. inside the Holland Theater, to honor local survivors as well.
In addition to the Pink Out ceremonies, Community Health and Wellness Partners (CHWP) is bringing the Mercy Health Mobile Mammogram Unit to the CHWP West Liberty office, 4879 US 68, on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To schedule a mammogram, call Melinda Smith at 937-599-1411 ext. 210.
