Members of Team Holloman participate in breast cancer awareness walk

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Terri Barriere
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  More than 50 members of Team Holloman gathered on base recently to show their support for those who have suffered, or know someone who has suffered, at the hands of a silent but deadly disease -- Breast Cancer. 

Both military and civilians gathered the morning of October 22 for the first ever breast cancer support walk hosted by the Soaring Heights Leasing Office here to help raise awareness of the disease during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Ms. Patsy Wilson from the Soaring Heights Leasing Office and event coordinator said she initiated the idea to do the one-mile walk because her own mother died from breast cancer. 

"I wanted to raise awareness of breast cancer during the month of October, and since my mom passed away it is something that is close to my heart," she said. "I thought it would be great to do a walk-a-thon for those who've passed and the survivors." 

Ms. Wilson said the informational event was opened up to all members of Team Holloman and she was glad so many came out to show support. 

"Since mom passed it is important for me to make sure everyone is aware of the resources available for prevention and to help support people who are suffering or have family members who've passed," she said. 

The walk was also particularly significant for some of the attendees. 

"My second cousin is fighting breast cancer and I felt it was not only an important but easy thing to do to remember the people that are still fighting," said Master Sgt. Jeff Dansby, 49th Materiel Maintenance Support Squadron. 

Sergeant Dansby said this was his first walk for the cause, but he will absolutely become a regular participant in future walks. His wife, Lynette Dansby, agrees. 

"This is important. We need to help raise awareness and what better way to do it than get out and walk to show our support," she said.

As cancer runs in her family, Ms. Dansby said she will definitely keep walking until they find a cure. 

Ms. Dansby said a few miles is nothing compared to what those who have endured the disease went through. 

The event opened with a short prayer provided by 49th Fighter Wing Chaplain, Capt. Olga Westfall, and concluded with a short thank you to the participants along with refreshments and memorabilia provided for the participants by local supporters and on-base agencies. 

According to Susan G. Komen for The Cure an estimated 182,460 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in American women in 2008 alone. Getting tested regularly is the best way for women to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer.

 The site also notes having one immediate female family member (mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer almost doubles a woman's chance of developing breast cancer and that women should conduct their own self exams once a month. 

Screening tests can also find breast cancer early, when it's most treatable. Some screening tests include mammograms, digital mammograms, MRI's and clinical breast exams. 

Ms. Wilson said members of Team Holloman will have a chance to continue "walking for the cure" as the support walk is now scheduled to take place here annually.