About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, according to breastcancer.org. Each year since its inaugural in 1985, the month of October has become synonymous with the pink ribbon and raising awareness about breast cancer, and the YWCA Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) is honoring this month with a host of Pinktober events.
The Pinktober 2018 events will begin with a Community Health Fair on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the YWCA Princeton parking lot. Returning for the second year, services at the Community Health Fair are free and no insurance is required to participate in any of the screenings or checks.
Free services and activities that will be offered include free cancer screenings (mammograms, pap smears and clinical breast exams), cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, eye screenings, fitness class demonstrations, and children’s activities. Women needing a mammogram or a pap smear, are requested to register in advance by contacting BCRC at 609-497-2100, ext. 303, or mcarrillo@ywcaprinceton.org.
BCRC will also be hosting Beyond Pink – An Art Show on Thursday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. at the D&R Greenway Johnson Education Center, which will showcase art created and/or inspired by breast cancer survivors, including breast casted sculpture, painting, photography, written poetry and more.
“Several months ago the BCRC introduced our Healing Arts Program,” Paula Flory, director of BCRC, said. “We watched as women embraced the creative process and allowed themselves true freedom of expression. The experience was powerful and the pieces created run the gamut from dark and moody to positively whimsical.”
Beyond Pink will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Tickets are $50. Anyone that would like to attend can purchase tickets online. The funds raised through the art show will help BCRC provide local women affected by breast cancer with support groups, professional counseling, wigs and prostheses, transportation, fitness classes, healing arts classes, retreats and more.
For information on YWCA Princeton BCRC services, visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/bcrc.
