BATESVILLE, Ind. – The annual “Think Pink” breast cancer awareness event raised more than $10,000 to help provide mammograms to women in the community who can’t afford them.
Sponsored by Margaret Mary Health and the local breast cancer support group, the Oct. 23 event featured presentations by breast cancer survivors Dawn Strange, of Batesville, and Maureen Meldrum, of Detroit.
The evening began with a presentation by Strange, an MMH ultrasound technologist and a member of the hospital’s breast cancer support group.
“I am a breast cancer survivor,” said Strange as she overlooked the crowd. “I am five years cancer free! My journey began with a lump I found. I am and always have been a faithful self checker.”
After undergoing a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy, Strange was told she had breast cancer, and in April of 2009 she decided to have a bilateral mastectomy.
“The rest of my journey was filled with acts of kindness,” Strange continued. “You change when you are diagnosed. You
appreciate small things more, and you have to learn to say yes. My coworkers made me music CDs and a blanket, a friend volunteered to mow my yard and neighbors left pretty flowers. To all those who were there for me throughout my cancer journey, thank you. And to the rest of you women out there, PLEASE do your self-checks and get your mammograms. They can save your life.”
All women should get a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. After age 40, mammograms should be repeated annually. Pre-menopausal women with a strong family history of breast cancer, meaning a first-degree relative, should get screened 10 years before their loved one’s age of diagnosis.
To be added to the mailing list for next year’s “Think Pink” event, call (812) 933-5257.
