(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - It’s a sad reality that there are few in Southeast Alaska who haven’t been touched by cancerous diseases. Talk to any group of women, and they’ll share their stories of valiant mothers, sisters, best friends, cousins and grandmothers demonstrating grace and strength beyond measure.

This year, more than 225,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with new cases of invasive breast cancer. Nearly 40,000 women will lose their lives to this devastating disease. This is unacceptable and sobering, but if detected in its early stages, the 5-year survival rate is 98%. By creating and following an Early Detection Plan as suggested by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, women can be their own best advocate for early detection.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Dr. Deborah Landis Lewis and Mischa Chernick tied pink ribbons on a tree near the Ketchikan Medical Center front entrance Thursday to remember and honor individuals affected by breast cancer. The public is invited to tie a pink ribbon on the tree throughout the month. Ribbons are available at the front desk, in the Women’s Health clinic and at the Twisted Tree in the Plaza mall. Donations go to the First City Council on Cancer to help defray mammogram costs for those in need.

PeaceHealth Ketchikan is inviting the community to join the campaign to raise awareness and funds during the month of October. The PeaceHealth Ketchikan team hopes to honor the strength shown by the women they care for by donning Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts. And, as it traditionally does, the Women’s Diagnostic Imaging center will be giving special gift bags to every lady who comes in for a mammogram in October.

Throughout October community members are invited to show their support for the fight by “Tying One On” in honor of someone who has been affected: a survivor, a loved one in the fight, or a family friend who lost her battle.

A special “Tie One On” pink ribbon ceremony was held on October 4th in the hospital lobby. Attendees were invited to add the name of their loved one to a pink ribbon and hang it on the tree at the main entrance of the hospital. Ribbons were also given to yesterday's participants to tie to their car's antenna. These ribbons will create a beautiful visual display of concern and support across the community.

Those who are unable to attend the October 4th event can still participate. Throughout the month of October ribbons will be available at the front desk of the hospital, in the Women’s Health clinic, and at the Twisted Tree at the Plaza Mall. All donations will go to First City Council on Cancer to provide resources for mammograms for women in need.

“Cancer has affected so many beautiful people that I know and love,” says Gail Jones, PeaceHealth Medical Group Specialty Clinics Manager. “I look forward to the day when cancer no longer plays the grim role in women’s lives that it has for so many in this community. Until then, we’re prepared to do what we can to help our local ladies understand how important early detection is to winning the fight!”

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News & Photograph: 

PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
www.peacehealth.org/ketchikan

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