Robin Porter of Southside Redemption thinks it is important that everybody do all they can to help fight disease.
That is why she and others are asking the public to donate cash or cans to the facility, so they can in turn give funding from the redeemables and donations to the American Cancer Society during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Mrs. Porter said she has family members who have been afflicted by the disease and has helped organize the collections as a way to give back.
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Southside Redemption Center owners are asking people to donate cans or money to help fight breast cancer.
P-J photo by Sharon Turano
"It hits close to home," she said.
The American Cancer Society reports there have been 230,480 women diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer in 2011 resulting in 39,520 deaths this year. Breast cancer, the society reports, is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer.
Death rates are decreasing due to earlier treatment of breast cancer, with 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. The society reports the earlier breast cancer is found, chances increase for treatment. It therefore suggests annual mammograms for woman age 40 years old and older, along with annual breast examinations by health care experts and self-examinations. Payment help for screening is available, and information can be found by calling the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at 1-800-CDCinfo.
Risk factors include drinking alcohol, diet, age, race, family history, being overweight and lack of exercise. Symptoms include breast swelling, skin irritation, breast pain, red scaliness or a breast discharge.
In addition to collecting the cash or cans, about 12 people will represent Southside Redemption during the 7 a.m. to noon Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk to be held Sunday, Oct. 16, at Jamestown Community College. The team has raised about $1,000 so far.
According to the American Cancer Society's website, the walk is held annually during October's National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Walkers participate at events across the country to raise money for cancer prevention and research, and to raise awareness about breast cancer. The site states the walk unites communities to celebrate the people who have battled breast cancer, educate people about ways to reduce their risk of getting it and empower communities to fight against the disease.
Each dollar raised, it states, helps find a cure or fight back against cancer.
"A world without breast cancer is a world with more birthdays, reports the website, adding, "With every step you take, you'll be giving people facing breast cancer more candles to light."
Since 1993, it states, walkers have raised more than $400 million by walking three to five miles. In 2010 alone, about 800,000 walkers across the country raised more than $60 million.
Those unable to walk can donate money instead. In the Jamestown area, they can also take cans to Southside Redemption, 1752 Foote Ave. Ext.