October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and as every year during this time, Blue Ridge Job Corps does its part to support this wonderful cause. This month staff and students engaged in a variety of activities both on and off center to help not only raise awareness, but to assist monetarily in stamping out this disease. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer might still be the most common form of cancer for women, but the chances of survival are significantly increasing thanks to early detection, better treatment, and those who spread awareness about cancer and the resources needed to help those going through it. It was recently reported by American Cancer Society that the mortality rate from breast cancer have dropped by 39 percent between 1989 and 2015. According to Health and Wellness Manager Alicia Richardson, stated, “As a primarily female center, breast cancer awareness is very important to us. We wanted to do our part to not only raise money for the cause, but to educate our students about this disease.”
On October 12, a group of 21 Blue Ridge students held a car wash in conjunction with Advanced Auto in Marion, Virginia. These students worked extremely hard to promote the car wash and to ensure that each customer came away satisfied with their experience, as well as having a new-found knowledge about Job Corps. Each customer was given a complimentary “goody bag” of Blue Ridge items, such as cups, pens, etc. In total the car was raised $289 to be donated for breast cancer research.
Finally, on October 25, staff and students alike participated in “Pink Day,” by donating money in order to be able to wear pink instead of the typical uniforms/work attire. It cost $1 for students to participate and $3 for staff, and raised over $150. Additionally, the health and wellness department gave students chances to win a prize by answering breast cancer trivia, and they also decorated a bra to display as a reminder of breast cancer awareness
All proceeds from these activities will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, an organization with the mission to “save lives by ensuring that all people receive the care they need, and finding breakthroughs to prevent and cure breast cancer.” To learn more about breast cancer research, or to find ways to donate, please visit www.komen.org.