(Press Release) Every October, pink ribbons appear all around – from cans of soup in the grocery store to stylish bracelets and lapel pins. But how does all that pink relate to breast health and breast cancer? The pink ribbons remind of our risks, responsibilities, and raising breast cancer awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it is a great time to educate and empower yourself for the best breast health. Eastern Sierra Breast Cancer Alliance (ESBCA) is here to help educate the community, raise awareness of what we can do to help, and most importantly, to provide financial help to individuals and families struggling through the challenge of a cancer diagnosis and it’s treatment.

Wearing pink ribbons and keeping on top of your cancer screenings is a good start, but here in Inyo County we have a yearly tradition that helps bolster our residents touched by cancer; this tradition helps monetarily, spiritually, and emotionally.

Saturday October 18, ESBCA is hosting their Annual 5K Walk and 10K Fun Run in the Bishop City Park. This annual event is in its fourteenth year and serves as the biggest fundraiser for ESBCA and the cancer patients that benefit from these donated dollars. In addition, this event serves to galvanize the Inyo County community around this ever present health crisis.

The Walk/Fun Run starts at 9am near the gazebo at the city park on Main St. If you are interested in participating, applications are available at www.esbca.org or the front desk at Northern Inyo Hospital (NIH).Please mail them to ESBCA-Registration PO Box 1523 Bishop, CA 93515-1523. Entries must be postmarked by October 10^th. You can also pre-register in person on Wednesday 10/15 from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the breeze way by the administration building at NIH and, of course, you can register the morning of the event by arriving at the park between 7:30-8:30am. Pre-registration is $30.00 for adults, $15.00 for kids and includes a t-shirt in the registration cost. On-site registration is $35 for adults.

ESBCS would like to add that they can also use volunteers for the day of the run. If interested, please call the ESBCA Resource Center at 760-872-3811 and leave their name and number and someone will get back to them.

Come and celebrate with us, honor our families, friends, and cancer survivors, and show the world the Eastern Sierra will fight cancer with everything we have.

BE SMART ABOUT YOUR BREAST HEALTH

Learn About Your Risks

Anyone with breast tissue – men and women – is at risk for developing breast cancer. But only one percent of men and one in eight women will develop breast cancer. Knowing your risks – and what you can do to reduce your risks – is a great way to raise your personal breast cancer awareness.

Make Some Healthy Changes

Take charge of some basic habits to lower your risk of breast cancer. Making these healthy changes will improve your overall health as well! Living healthier and longer is just another benefit of breast cancer awareness.

Keep Your Dates

Your breast health is your responsibility. Set up regular dates to guard your breast health, and keep track of changes, screenings, and test results. Remember that early detection does save lives, and you are your own first line of defense. Being aware of your breast health is in your hands.

Support The Cause

There are many ways to enjoy Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can make a difference and support the cause while having a good time, getting some exercise, and writing a check. Choose to get involved with survivors and supporters – you’ll be glad you did.