The month of October is not just marked by Halloween costumes and candy. For more than twenty years, the month has also been host to National Breast Cancer Awareness. It is a month for us to remember the strength of those we have lost and of those who have survived the disease. We wear pink ribbons in memory and support of these women as well as promote awareness and methods of early detection.

Be Prepared

Early detection of breast cancer is vital in helping women to fight and survive the disease. The most common signs of breast cancer are lumps, discoloration of the breast and thickening of the tissue. These signs do not guarantee cancer; however, it does mean that you should seek further treatment by talking to your doctor. Other signs include dimpling of the skin, change in breast size or shape and consistent pain in one spot.

In order to join the fight against breast cancer and help women worldwide, communities throughout the nation need to get involved and raise awareness. Every October in Santa Clarita, California Valencia Acura partners with the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation in organizing community events to help support the cause. In the last eleven years, Valencia Acura has raised over $500,000 toward breast cancer awareness and for the local Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center.

A Journey to Survival

As a kick-off to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Soroptimist International of the Santa Clarita Valley, an organization that moves to advance the rights and status of women worldwide, hosted a meeting on October 1st in support of the cause. Guest speaker, Gail McCroskey, owner of the catering company An Affaire Extraordinaire and a close friend, spoke of her struggle with breast cancer starting in 2007. After a lumpectomy and 33 doses of radiation therapy over a period of eight weeks, McCroskey continues to be a devote supporter of breast cancer awareness.

Do Your Part

I feel that giving back to the community is very important - even the smallest of efforts can create a domino effect and bring awareness to hundreds of people. If you would like to help support the cause, you can wear Pink Ribbon Pins available all month at the following locations: Henry Mayo Gift Shop, Valencia Acura, Vantage Oncology, Santa Clarita Cancer Center, Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, UCLA Cancer Center and Tower Imaging. Also Brighton Breast Cancer Awareness bracelets can be bought at Cobblestone Cottage. For each bracelet sold, five dollars will be donated to the Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center and other breast cancer related organizations.



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