Organizers of the annual Think Pink Party in Jasper County educated and inspired residents to learn more about breast cancer and how to prevent it.
The Relay for Life of Jasper County held its annual Think Pink Party on Thursday at Smith Park in Bay Springs.
Along with a guest speaker and lots of great entertainment, organizers’ goal was to make people more aware of the dangers of breast cancer.
Organizers said the day of activities was designed to raise money for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer awareness and education.
In the U.S., breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, and it can strike men as well.
Diana Montgomery, coordinator of the Jasper County event, said this is the third year that local residents have come together to raise people’s awareness of cancer.
Montgomery said numerous merchants and businesses, along with residents, supported the event with donations as well as the purchase of pink carnations in memory or in honor of people who have had breast cancer. She said this year’s number of pink carnations rose to over 125.
“We do this event in October because it is breast cancer awareness month,” said Montgomery, a breast cancer survivor. “We want to make people aware of the dangers of breast cancer and what they can do to prevent it from becoming life-threatening.”
People from throughout the community came to the event to learn more about breast cancer and to support the event.
Debra Cockrell, community representative of the American Cancer Society and a staff partner for Jasper County, said the day is designed to focus on “awareness and early detection.”
“My mom is a breast cancer survivor and has been for four years,” Cockrell said. “Those who work with the Cancer Society have a special bond. We get out and let people know it can be cured if they detect it early.
“We are making people aware that they need to take care of themselves,” she added. “It’s important to keep us well.”
Also as a part of the day, the Sylva Bay Academy cheerleaders served cake and lemonade during the event while the Jones County Junior College’s Jones Onstage entertained the crowd.
Joe Mauldin, director of Jones Onstage, said cancer has touched several members of the junior college’s group.
“We do a lot of American Cancer Society events because a lot of the children in this group have family members who have been touched by cancer,” Mauldin said. “We also have a cancer survivor in the group.”
Edith Avenmarg of Bay Springs said she came to support the effort.
Avenmarg, a cancer survivor, said she “comes out to all the cancer events to show my support.”
Avenmarg is also the leader of the Bay Springs U.M. Church’s team in the annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Debbie Jefcoat, who is a cancer survivor and publicity chairperson for the Think Pink Party, said it’s important for people to be informed.
“We want everyone to know about breast cancer and be aware that they should do self-checks monthly,” Jefcoat said. “I found mine myself. Early detection is the key.”
Caroline McCormick, a 17 year-old student at Sylva Bay Academy, said being aware of the disease is important.
“My mom had cancer and I’m thankful she discovered it early,” McCormick said. “I came to help out at this event because it’s good to help out people in the same situation.
“It’s just good to raise money for a good cause,” the teen added. “Breast cancer affects a lot of people.”
Skat Jones of Newton, who works at the Bay Springs Public Library, said she came out to support the event because she knows how important it is.
“I had an aunt who died from breast cancer,” Jones said. “It’s very important to make people awareness of the dangers.”
Avenmarg agreed.
“It’s important for people to support this event because it’s designed to raise money for cancer research,” Avenmarg said. “Research is going to be the answer to the cure for this disease.”
Montgomery said the community event continues to grow each year.
Local News
Related Photos
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Photo/Eloria Newell James
Jasper Co. Think Pink Party extends breast cancer message
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