Local sorority brings community together to unite, walk against breast cancer

“United we walk, together we fight” was the motto a local sorority encouraged during its annual walk aimed to beat breast cancer.

The 17^th annual Breast Cancer Walk For The Cure, held by Dublin-Laurens Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was held on Oct. 3 at the Fairview Park Hospital walking track.

“It’s not hot here because it’s cloudy and I’m glad the rain has held off so far,” said Tammy Howard, who co-chair’s the event along with Lillie Hobbs. “I’m so glad to see so many individuals come out every year to make this such a great event. The number of survivors that we have always inspires me. There are people who we know who have survived this horrible disease. All we have to do is be patient and wait for a cure.”

Early detection of breast cancer with women having their mammograms, is a big key. Liz Green, director of marketing and communications at FPH. The stats show that 92 percent of people who are diagnosed with breast cancer survive. That number increases to 99 percent when breast cancer is caught early through mammograms.

“The survival percentage goes down the longer it is undetected,” Green said. “That is why we recommend an annual mammogram. If you have one each year, you can look back to the prior year and they always have a point of reference.”

Women with family history should start having mammograms at 35. If they do not have family history, or felt a lump, women are encouraged to start having mammograms when they turn 40.

“One in eight women have or are fighting breast cancer,” Green said. “Breast cancer touches us in ways we never know.”

FPH’s Imagining Center has played a big part in fighting breast cancer. Green said they try to make it as easy as possible by taking walk ins.

“Our purpose here is to walk each other home,” she said. We’re all going through something. We are here to support you through the good and the bad.”

More than 400 people registered for the walk. Sorority member Jacqueline Copenny welcomed everyone to the walk by reminding them that breast cancer has touched so many lives.

“We are not alone,” she said. “Whether walking in memory of loved ones, in honor of a survivor or in support of someone fighting breast cancer, you are important.”

Sorority president Regina Jackson said every step of the walk means something.

“We are honoring those who have been lost and those survivors who brings us hope,” Jackson said. “Let us walk with purpose for a cure.”

Earnistine Pinkston led everyone in prayer before the sorority recognized the survivors as well as those who have passed away from breast cancer.

“Each of (the survivors) have a story that should be celebrated,” Copenny said. “Hope can endure through lives greatest challenges. We stand and walk with you.”

A portion of the money raised goes to the American Breast Cancer Society for research while local funds go to a survivor’s brunch.

“As a country, when something needs to be done, we are united and we have been victorious,” Howard said. “We love to celebrate and fight breast cancer.”