By Tracy McNew
October is just around the corner so it’s time to start thinking about early detection of breast cancer through mammography screening. That doesn’t necessarily sound like fun, but in Libby, it very much is.
In a press release from Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, Kate Stephens, Marketing Manager, said, “This year marks 12 years of Lincoln County Painting it Pink for the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Once again, our community has come together and has plenty of great events and activities planned for this October in an effort to educate the public about breast health and breast cancer, and to raise money for the detection and treatment of breast cancer in Lincoln County.”
Events in October for Paint it Pink range from simple workplace fundraisers to flocks of pink flamingos flocking local homes and businesses. If you want to get an early start, this weekend you can get your pink outfit out of the closet and contribute by adding a splash of color to our cloudy late-September weather during the Glacier Bank fun run/walk that will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29.
You don’t have to be in shape or competitive to join the event, as long as you can finish in a few hours, you are welcome to join along with your friends, kids and even your dog. The event will begin at 8 a.m. at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center for those doing a half marathon, and a 9 a.m. for those doing the 5 or 10K run or walk.
Event organizer, Jill Beach, told The Montanian, “If you participate in our event, you are directly helping somebody in the Libby and Troy community.” That is because 100% of registration fees go to support Paint it Pink, and Glacier Bank pays for all of the supplies.
For $40 you can run the 13.1 mile half marathon, or for $20 you can run or walk 5K or 10K. Registration is only $10 for kids, and only $5 for dogs. If you haven’t registered in advance, don’t worry. There will be a registration booth at the event so just show up wearing a crazy pink outfit. The craziest pink outfit will be chosen as a people’s choice contest, and there will be a prize, Beach said.
Another Paint It Pink event that’s already underway is the 3rd annual Queen Bee Bling-A-Bra contest. This event, sponsored by Libby Floral and Gifts, was named in honor of a former longtime Libby Floral employee who passed away with aggressive breast cancer, Shannon Myslicki told The Montanian.
This year, 11 bras have been distributed and they are due back, fully decorated, by Sept. 27. The bras will be on displayed throughout the month of October and community members are asked to vote for their favorites by putting cash into a jar next to their bra of choice. All money raised will be donated to Paint It Pink, and the creator of the bra that brings in the most money will receive a dozen roses from Libby Floral, in addition to bragging rights of course.
This year the bras will be displayed at the hospital’s own café, Studio B, Pure North Athletic club, and more.
“I really think my employee who passed from beast cancer would have loved the bling and glitter. It’s fun to do this in her memory, and to raise money for mammograms,” said Myslicki.
In addition to these two fundraising efforts, the Northwest Community Health Center has a flock of pink flamingos that can be purchased for no less than $25 to send to your friends and neighbors. The recipient will have to send them somewhere too, so call 283-6918 to flock your friends before they flock you.
On Monday, Oct. 1, for $5 you can attend the Ladies Night Out– Breast Health Awareness Dessert and Men of Cabinet Peaks Auction event. You’ll be sure to enjoy this entertaining evening held at Cabinet Peak’s River Rock Café. For tickets call Paula at 283-7221.
Loggers will celebrate pink week Sept. 24-29, Pure North Athletic Club will collect donations for work outs between Oct. 7-14, Cabinet Mountain Brewing Company will hold a Brews for Benefits fundraiser on Oct. 18, and the Dome Theatre will show a chick flick by donation for Paint It Pink on Oct. 25.
Anyone interested in helping out in another way is encouraged to get creative and raise money for the cause.
“What makes this year even more special is that we have circled back to how it all began,” said Stephens. “This year’s, Paint It Pink funds will go to support the hospital Foundation’s 3D Mammography Campaign. The money raised during the month of October will go a long way in helping us wrap up our campaign and get a new state of the art mammography machine to Lincoln County as quickly as possible.”
Photo from last year’s Men of Cabinet Peaks Auction held during Ladies Night Out and the Breast Health Awareness Dessert courtesy of Kate Stephens,. This year’s event will be held on Monday, Oct. 1.
Correction: In last week’s front page story, “Archery hunting: more than a sport, a way of life,” Kyle Johnson was the first hunter quoted and his uncle Mark Kelso influenced him to start bow hunting.