Paige Desmond
In support of the battle against breast cancer, Curves for Women here held an information fundraiser last Wednesday evening, with all proceeds going to the Rainy River District Breast Health Network.
Sponsored by several community businesses and groups, the three-hour event was aimed at raising awareness of breast health in the community.
“It’s kind of a personal thing for us,” said Curves employee Jennifer Green, noting many of the people involved with the fundraiser have family and friends who have been affected by breast cancer.
“I think that’s one of the reasons that we’re getting people involved,” agreed Curves manager Arlene Georgeson. “We try to do something every year [in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month].”
In the four years Curves has run such an event, more than $2,500 has been raised, Georgeson noted. “Almost all of the proceeds go to the Breast Health Network,” she remarked.
Those who showed up for Wednesday’s fundraiser were treated to manicures by Celeste’s Hair Salon for a donation. Nails were done in pink (the cause’s signature colour), with the breast cancer ribbon painted on top.
They also were provided information from the Breast Health Network, enjoyed treats, and were invited to enter a number of draws for prizes, including some goodies courtesy of Nancy Gillon of Avon.
As well, Georgeson demonstrated the effectiveness of the “Liv Aid,” a simple, heart-shaped device a woman can use every month to perform a proper breast self-exam.
The plastic item essentially magnifies any lumps or bumps, making self-detection easier.
Nationally, breast cancer is the most common cancer experienced by women, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. This year alone, it’s estimated 22,400 women will be diagnosed with the disease and 5,300 will die from it, said the CCS’s website.
Weekly, 431 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 102 will die.
The disease is far-reaching, with the CCS noting one-in-nine women will develop it in their lifetime.
The grim statistics offer good reason for women of all ages to protect themselves and be aware of breast health. And that’s what the Breast Health Network here wants people to know.
Sally Stewart, who attended last Wednesday’s event at Curves, said women need to know breast health is an important consideration for all ages.
It’s a common stereotype that only older women—those age 50 and above—are the ones who get this disease, but starting healthy habits young is the best road to early detection.
Stewart said the Breast Health Network can teach women “some of the things that we would like you to continue on for yourself,” such as self-examinations and regular mammograms for those of the appropriate age.
The Riverside Breast Health Program, for instance, offers breast screening to women age 50 and over who have not had a mammogram in the past year and have never had breast cancer or implants.
The Riverside Breast Education Clinic, meanwhile, is geared towards women younger than 50 who do not meet the Ontario Breast Screening Program’s criteria. Participants will learn things like breast self-examination or be provided with mammograms as needed.
No matter how old you are, you need to have your doctor or a trained nurse check your breasts once a year, the group’s pamphlet asserts.
Eva Thornton, who has been part of the local Breast Health Network for almost a quarter-century, was on hand Wednesday evening to talk to women about the importance of breast health. She stressed women of all ages need to be aware.
Both Stewart and Thornton said the cause is close to their hearts as they, too, have friends who have suffered from this disease.
“A lot of close friends,” Stewart elaborated.
Dorothy Poperechny was among those at the “Girls’ Night In” event, which cost a $1 donation to attend. A member of Curves, she said she received a lot of support from the staff following a surgery.
“I just came to offer my support,” she explained.
For more information on the “Liv Aid,” visit www.liv.com
