CALVERT COUNTY, MD- October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness month since 1985 in part by the American Cancer Society. In 1992, the pink ribbon was introduced by Self magazine and Estee’ Lauder. It was a way to encourage women to get regular mammograms.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than pink ribbons and quirky references to breasts. It is a way to honor the women who either are fighting, lost, or survived the dreaded disease. Most women likely fall into one of those categories, as breast cancer affects over 2 million women every year.
Studies allegedly state that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and 1 in 39 will lose the fight. The disease doesn’t differentiate between race, ethnicity, income, or country, as the disease even affects 1 in 100 men. Studies show more and more people being diagnosed, however there also a higher survival rate despite being no cure. However, the National Cancer Institute states they are making advances in their search for a cure.
Throughout the country, communities will hold fundraisers such as the Susan G. Koman, which raises money towards finding a cure. Here in Calvert County, SWT Fitness and The Sheldon E. Goldberg Center for Breast Care will hold their annual fundraisers.
SWT Fitness, a women’s gym in Dunkirk, will hold their 5th annual fundraiser on October 12th. This year, similar to years prior, they will put on a boot camp inside and outside the gym. Per the owner, the money raised will go to Chesapeake Oncology towards cold caps. Cold caps are used to minimize hair loss in patients going through treatment. The Sheldon E. Goldberg Center will also hold a 5k run on October 19th.
Christina Allen, an instructor at SWT Fitness is a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in January 2021 with stage 3 breast cancer. Christina received 12 rounds of chemotherapy, received a double mastectomy with reconstruction and radiation. Christina stated, “I felt shocked at first, but knew right away I wanted to fight.”
She credits her yearly mammogram for catching it early enough, and has been cancer-free for 3 years. “Fundraisers bring much love and support to those that are involved in the fight.” She feels fortunate for her positive outcome, and stated, “No one needs to fight this alone.”
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