By: Addison Parr, Reporter
OMAHA, Neb. – Hundreds of Nebraska residents gathered at Werner Park early on Saturday morning to take part in the Susan G. Komen More than Pink Walk.
The event serves as a fundraiser for breast cancer research, and an opportunity to educate the public about prevention and detection.
Participants walk to celebrate and honor breast cancer survivors and to support current patients that may not be able to walk themselves.
Recently diagnosed, Linda Crouch, says her friends and coworkers decided to walk after she was diagnosed on September first.
“I had a double mastectomy on September 27th, and we are in the process of coming up with my treatment plan. So I will start treatments probably in the next three to four weeks,” says Crouch.
Individuals, like Crouch, take time in October to share their stories and emphasize the importance of yearly screenings and mammograms.
“I had a mom and I have four aunts that all had breast cancer so I was very very adamant about my yearly screenings. Unfortunately then we did biopsies, and I was diagnosed actually. I have breast cancer in both breasts and I have different cancer in each,” says Crouch.
For current patients and survivors alike the importance of a strong support system cannot be overlooked.
Eleven-year-old, Autumn Garrison, says that she walks to honor her mother and grandmother.
“I think it’s important to to spread awareness and to help going through it, to know it’s okay,” said Garrison.
The American Cancer Society encourages women to practice breast self-awareness, and says to contact your doctor if you notice any changes to your breast or armpit areas.
