Mark Twain Medical
Center is once again promoting Pink in the Night in honor of
National Breast
Cancer Awareness Month.
SMark Twain Medical Center (MTMC) will be promoting the importance of early
detection of breast cancer, followed by prompt treatment, saves lives. The entire community is invited to
participate in the annual ‘Pink in the Night’ opening ceremony October 1st,
in Valley Springs at the Terrace’s (Common Grounds) at 7:00pm. All those who
currently have breast cancer, survivors and support providers will be able to light
a candle in tribute to those who are currently battling breast cancer, in
remembrance of those that bravely lost their battle, or ones that have survived
the disease.
“This is the seventh year that the Mark Twain Health
Care District has funded Pink in The Night,” commented Mark Twain District
Board Member, Dr. Peter Oliver. “On behalf of the board, we are gratefully
committed to promoting this community wide breast cancer awareness event.”
The emphasis on creating Pink in The Night was to
serve as a reminder to women that it is time to take charge of their own
health. To remind women about the importance of an annual mammogram; to do a
monthly self-exam; or to see a physician for a regular check-up.
“Every year in the United States 200,000 women are diagnosed
with breast cancer and 40,000 die of it,” stated Dr. Shiva
Singhal, Medical Oncologist/Hematologist at Mark Twain Cancer Center. “Most women who get breast cancer
have no known risk factors and no history of the disease in their families.
There are things you can do to can help lower your breast cancer risk . Having regular mammograms can
lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. If you are 50 to 74 years old, be
sure to have a screening mammogram every two years. If you are 40 to 49 years
old, talk to your doctor about screening. Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it
can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The secret
to longer life can begin with a mammogram.”
Through the ‘Every Women Counts’
program, women can obtain free cancer screening health care services such as
cancer screening pap smears, breast screening exams, including digital
mammography and diagnostic imaging reading from the radiologist. Women that are
California residents can qualify to meet the income guidelines that pertain to
those that do not have health insurance, or are underinsured with high
deductibles and high co pays. Those women that may be unable to afford to cover
these costs may be able to immediately
qualify for free
services through the ‘Every Women Counts Program.’ Any women desiring these
services can call (209)754-2968 to make an appointment through the MTMC Medical
Center in Arnold.
The pink lights symbolize hope, and MTMC hopes Pink
in The Night will a difference in someone’s life. This event was originally
started six years ago by Calaveras residents Peggy Lucas, Debbie Sellick and
Suki Tutthill. In honor of National Breast cancer awareness month, the women
all felt that October is a time to honor those living with breast cancer, their
families, friends, and all those who provide them with love and support; and to
everyone that has been touched by the disease.
“October 1st kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness
Month,” commented Staci Johnston, Executive Director of the Calaveras County
Chamber of Commerce. “In full support of
those who are fighting this courageous battle & for those who have so
bravely gone before us, we hope to see all Calaveras County businesses stand
with us by lighting up in PINK. The Calaveras County Chamber Office will have
strands of pink lights on hand for local businesses to pick up and display.
These lights represent the importance of women taking charge of their lives and
taking care of themselves, as women- we tend to put others first. Early
detection does save lives.”
Both the Health Care District and Hospital
Foundation have actively supported women’s health initiatives by raising money
to support the Foundation’s current Angels Camp Medical Center Campaign.
Over the past seven years the communities of Angels
Camp, Arnold, Avery, Burson, Copperopolis, Mokelumne Hill, Mountain Ranch,
Murphys, San Andreas, Valley Springs, Wallace, and West Point, have lit up with
pink lights furnished by the Mark Twain Health Care District at their
businesses. This year on the evening of October 1st all Calaveras
County survivors and those currently battling breast cancer can light up their
home with a sixty watt pink bulb funded by the Mark Twain Health Care District
and will keep them lit during the entire month of October.
“This is the seventh year that the Mark Twain Health Care District has
funded Pink in The Night,” commented Mark Twain District Board Member, Dr.
Peter Oliver. “On behalf of the board, we are appreciatively committed to
promoting this community breast cancer awareness event.”
“The MTMC
2014 Pink in the Night event is recognition of the impact Breast Cancer has had
on our family, friend and neighbors,” continued Dr. Peter Oliver. “We welcome
those whom have been diagnosed,
are in treatment or have survived breast cancer, to join our community members
in a celebration of our partnership
based on mutual respect and understanding."
The
Calaveras Junior Redskins will be joining MTMC for the Pink in the Night
Lighting Ceremony for all of the public to attend at 7:00 p.m. on October 1st,
at The Terrace (Common Grounds, Fusion Grill) in Valley Springs.
On
Friday, October 3rd, at the Calaveras Redskins Varsity game, MTMC
will have a booth for Breast Cancer Awareness, and during half time there will
be a special ceremony for Survivors.
Both
football programs and cheer squads will be handing out pink bracelets and
commemorative footballs to families in attendance. All football players will
have pink ribbons on their helmets which they will wear for the entire month of
October signifying hope for the cure.
All Calaveras County Businesses are encouraged to
‘Pink’ their businesses. Pink string lights can be picked up at all five
Medical Center locations, the Mark Twain Cancer Center and The Calaveras County
Chamber of Commerce Office.
“Promoting community awareness and involvement helps in
improving screening programs available in community and hence the outcomes.”
concluded Dr. Singhal.
For further
information, please call Nicki Stevens, at (209)754-5919.
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About Mark Twain Medical Center
Founded
in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, full-access hospital providing
inpatient acute care, outpatient services and emergency services. The Medical
Center’s Medical Staff represents a broad range of specialties that ensure
access to high quality medical care in a rural community. In addition to being
a major provider of health services, Mark Twain Medical Center is also a major
source of jobs for area residents. On average, more than 300 people are employed
at the hospital and its five Family Medical Centers. The Medical Center is a
member of Dignity Health, the fifth largest not-for-profit healthcare system in
the nation. For more information, please visit our website at www.marktwainmedicalcenter.org. Mark Twain Medical Center is also on Facebook.