Walkers Take Cold In Stride To Help Raise Awareness

The cold couldn’t diminish the spirit of the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Friday

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Crisp fall weather made its way to Oskaloosa on Friday, but the cool temps didn’t dampen the spirits of the nearly 160 walkers who took part this year.

The walk, hosted by Mahaska Health Partnership, is used to help promote Breast Cancer awareness. “The point of walking around the square for an hour, which sounds like a long time when it’s 50 degrees outside, is so that people going on about their day, as they drive past, go to lunch on the square, they will hopefully see us, wonder what’s going on and ask questions,” says Cassie Rielly, PR/Marketing Coordinator for Mahaska Health Partnership.

The square was adorned with small pink flags, 2000 of them to be exact. They were there to help represent the more than 2,000 women who will become diagnosed with breast cancer in Iowa in the next year.

The whole day can trace its roots back 8 years to the first walk. “You know, it’s grown and changed over the years. I think our first couple of walks we maybe had 40 people, now we have over 160 this year,” Riley said. “We really appreciate everyone’s support.”

Every walker paid $25.00 to participate. With that, Riley said, they got a t-shirt. “We donate all proceeds we collect throughout the month of October to the Southeast Iowa Affiliation of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.”

In turn, the Southeast Iowa Affiliation of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure then makes a grant to the radiology department at MHP to help pay, in part, for mammograms for women who are uninsured or have high insurance deductibles. “We never want anyone to go without that valuable life saving exam,” Riley said.

If you have a need for a mammogram, you are welcome to contact the radiology department at Mahaska Health Partnership.

On Tuesday night, MHP will also be hosting a Free Women’s Breast Health Night from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Gateway Church of the Nazarene Youth Center in Oskaloosa.

“All women are encouraged to gather their girlfriends and make this a special evening out because it will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres, fun door prizes, as well as potentially life-saving information about screenings and women’s health in general.”

Attendance is free but pre-registration is required. Call 641-672-3369 or visit mahaskahealth.org to register.