“The American Cancer Society estimates 3,370 new primary female breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in Kentucky, and 232,670 new cases will be diagnosed in the US. In 2012, 77% of women age 50 and older in the US had a mammogram in the past two years compared to 75% of Kentucky women of the same age.5 Appalachian Kentucky is an area of very high cancer burden. This population has a 10% higher all-cancer mortality rate than non-Appalachian Kentucky.” – From the University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
With the beginning of October comes the transition into fall but the month is also a nationwide campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness. During this month communities and health organizations all across the country come together to raise funds for and to spread awareness of the disease. The goal is to help those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services. During the month of October, Soft Shoe actively participates in bringing awareness to this important cause to our local community in Madison County and surrounding counties.
For years, Soft Shoe has been a proud sponsor and supporter of Paint the Town Pink, (PTTP) a program native to Richmond KY and hosted by Baptist Health Richmond. The Paint the Town Pink is a month-long program to raise awareness about cancer to both men and women as they shop, dine and visit their daily and weekly businesses. This year’s 8th annual Paint the Town Pink event has close to 40 community sponsors and all funds donated will be used locally.
The goals for Paint the Town Pink are:
- To encourage all women in our community, aged 40 and older, to have their annual mammogram.
- To raise money for local cancer charities.
- To make a difference in the lives of those in our community and to come together as a community for a cause!
We kicked off the month with Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Hour, offering coffee, donuts and tons of prizes for Pink Friday on September 30th. This event marked the first day customers could purchase the Paint the Town Pink apparel, and launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Richmond KY. We were blown away by the tremendous amount of community support we received and would like to thank each and every one of you who were able to join us.
Our Paint the Town Pink merchandise included t-shirts for $12, raglan baseball t-shirts for $22, and long sleeved t-shirts for $16. All shirts were printed by Surge Promotions of Richmond KY, with 100% of proceeds going to local cancer charities. We have a large inventory of Paint the Town Pink apparel available that will be available for purchase at our store during the entire month of October. So we encourage all to show their support of the Paint the Town Pink cause and pick up a cute tee that benefits an important cause.
To get a full list of PTTP community events visit the official Facebook page to find out other ways you can get involved!
Other links about Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Photo Gallery of our Richmond Chamber’s Coffee Hour:
