Walk earns $20K for cancer research

By MELISSA STOVER / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Walk for the Cure participants head down Main Street led by, from left, Diane Stanley, Meryll Rose and Jane Flatt. Approximately 500 walkers raised around $20,000 last Saturday morning.

There was a sea of pink surrounding First United Methodist Church last Saturday as walkers gathered for the annual Walk for the Cure.

With the goal to raise money for research and raise awareness of breast cancer, this is something close to home for many people because statistics show 1-in-9 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lives. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in young women.

In years past, the word cancer frequently meant death but thanks to projects such as Walk for the Cure, women are much more aware of breast examinations and other health issues which increases early detection of problems therefore decreasing the mortality rate.

This year’s walk gathered approximately 500 walkers raising about $20,000 with a large donation being made by the local Carrier Corporation which pledged $25 a walker for its employees making Carrier’s total contribution about $10,000.

The walkers carried balloons with the names of friends and family members, either in memory of, or to honor their loved ones who have struggled with breast cancer.

The walk, which was led by chairpersons Jane Flatt and Diane Stanley and “Talk of the Town” host Meryll Rose, left the church and went down Main Street. Afterwards, walkers gathered outside the Chamber of Commerce.

At that time, Flatt spoke of her struggle with breast cancer and thanked everyone for their support of the walk and the cause. The names of the loved ones people had walked to remember and honor were read aloud as their balloon was released.

Walk organizers encourage women to please remember their mammograms and talk to their doctors about breast health, noting that early detection saves lives.