Survivors, Supporters Gather To Promote Breast Cancer Awareness In Cedar City

Over 300 people gathered today at Cedar City's West Canyon Park for the 11^th annual Power in Pink Iron County Walk and 5K. The morning was cool but not overly so, and while there was a breeze, volunteers for the event said they were relatively mild compared to some years in the past.

Participants picked up registration material starting at 8AM, and those who had not pre-registered were able to do so on the spot. As the crowd was gathering, local DJ Reuben Togasola kept them warm by playing music to get them excited be be out walking and running.

Cedar City Councilman Scott Phillips welcomed the crowd and told those who were walking that they were making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. He told those attending, “as you look around this morning, we are here as friends, family members, and caregivers that have helped these courageous women along their journey with breast cancer. We are excited to have all of you here to lend your strength and enthusiasm today.”

Phillips then had some sobering words saying, “according to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1,000 women in Utah will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Thanks to improvements in early detection and treatment, millions of women now survive breast cancer.”

One of the best tools in helping in early detection of breast cancer is getting screened regularly by getting a mammogram. Becky Bronson, Communications Manager for Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital told the crowd that Utah needs to do a better job saying, “Utah is among the worst in the nation to get their mammogram, and Iron County is among the worst counties in Utah to get their mammograms.”

Bronson found that statistic puzzling saying, “to me that is ironic as we live in a downwinders corridor where incidents of cancer are much higher because of radioactive material that was blown up in to the atmosphere. To me, that says how important it is to get your screening mammogram because it's (breast cancer) so highly treatable when you catch it early.”

Following Bronson's remarks, Phillips acknowledged the support given to the event from the local sponsors. The crowd was then entertained and encouraged by a song performed by Kait Sorenson. After the song, Phillips led the crowd in a moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives to breast cancer, and to honor those currently fighting the fight.

Participants then began their activity. Walkers traveled south easterly from the start point to begin their walk up the Canyon Trail. Those running the 5K started their course by going northeast from the starting line.

When everyone was back, prizes were awarded to the best Pink Posse, the Pink Pal (youngest participant), Speedy Pinkster (first runner to finish), Best Pinked Out. Team awards were also given to the largest community team, won this year by the team from Mountain America Credit Union. The College of Nursing took home the traveling trophy from SUU for having the college with the most participation. It was the third year in a row they took that trophy.

After the event on their Facebook page, Power In Pink Iron County said they were “beyond grateful” for the support shown by the community. Anyone who is interested in contributing to support those fighting the battle with breast cancer can do so by going to the Power In Pink Iron County donation page. They are a 5013c non profit and will send you a receipt.