‘Early detection is key’

By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor

 

It was a beautiful day for a walk in the mountains and a couple of hundred folks took the Soroptimists up on their invitation to do just that.

The event was the walk at SkyPark at Santa’s Village on Oct. 5 to raise awareness about breast cancer.

“We are raising money for breast cancer detection equipment at Mountains Community Hospital,” said Cathy Kay, who coordinated the walk with fellow Soroptimist Cheryl Robinson.

Kay added the breast cancer is being detected at earlier ages these days. Early detection, she noted, is key.

As folks checked in, they were given goodie bags and poker chips to vote on their favorite decorated bras. The bras were available for sale. Both the winning bra – a tribute to the Dodgers created by Kay – and the Green Bay Packers bras created by Robinson were sold.

The number of silent auction items was overwhelming and drew multiple bids on each item.

Both before and after the walk, guests had the opportunity to have their photos taken at a photo booth and to have a caricature of themselves drawn by an artist. Archer Relief and Recovery was there to give massages; a technician from MCH offered tips on checking breasts for lumps.

As walkers progressed along the path, marked by pink ribbons, they picked up playing cards at five stations. Those with winning poker hands won prizes.

Following the walk, at 11 a.m., Polly Sauer offered a yoga class. Her soothing voice and the sound of the rippling water created a calm environment.

As the close of the silent auction approached, eager bidders hovered around their chosen items. Some went home with one basket while one couple were the lucky bidders on six.

Attached to each basket was a discount dining and shopping card, which members of Soroptimist International of Rim of the World sell; they are also available on their website: sirow.org.