Hospitals, businesses team to boost breast cancer awareness

In October 2012, Lisa Beussink of Gordonville had her first mammogram in three years.

Wednesday evening, she attended the kickoff for Saint Francis Medical Center's monthlong "Pink Up" campaign in a bright pink T-shirt identifying her as a breast cancer survivor.

In honor of the occasion, she had dyed her hair pink to match.

"I might keep it through all of October," said Beussink, who underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation treatments to get rid of the cancer.

She said family, friends, good doctors and good humor saw her through the ordeal.

Lisa Beussink

"One of my best friends, Geri Beussink, had it prior to me, and she told me everything that was going to happen -- what to expect. ... That helped a lot," she said.

Without that mammogram two years ago, Lisa Beussink said she might not have known she was sick until it was too late.

"I strongly encourage everybody to get a mammogram," she said.

Making sure everybody can get a mammogram is the goal behind Pink Up, which raises funds for Dig for Life, a local not-for-profit group that provides mammograms for uninsured women, said Emily Blattel, a spokeswoman for Saint Francis Medical Center.

Both of Cape Girardeau's hospitals are marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month -- which runs through Oct. 31 -- with special campaigns.

While Saint Francis sells special pink merchandise to raise funds for Dig for Life, SoutheastHEALTH is promoting its "Bravest Wear Pink" campaign.

During the month of October, Cape Girardeau police and firefighters will wear pink T-shirts and participate in public events, including the Southeast Missouri State University homecoming parade Saturday, according to a news release from SoutheastHEALTH.

The T-shirts will be available for $15 each at the police and fire stations, Southeast Hospital and several other locations.

Proceeds from the sale of the shirts will help pay for mammograms for women who cannot afford them and will help cover cancer patients' immediate needs during treatment, the release stated.

A "Bravest Wear Pink" community picnic is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Shawnee Park.

A variety of other awareness-raising activities is planned throughout October. Among the events:

* Pink Up Zumba Party, 5:30 p.m. today, Fitness Plus (entrance 8), 150 S. Mount Auburn Road: The event is free, but donations will be accepted for Dig for Life. Pink Up merchandise also will be available for sale.

* Pink Up Jackson Tailgate Party, 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Liberty Utilities, 2751 N. High St., Jackson

* Cuts for Hope: From Saturday to Oct. 18, $1 from every haircut at J.C. Penney Salon will be donated to breast cancer research via City of Hope.

* The Bold and the Beautiful Event for Breast Cancer Awareness: Concepts Styling Salon, 107 West Drive, Suite C, will donate 10 percent of its sales Oct. 16 to the Run Ride for Ragan/Ragan Ward Foundation, which supports local women fighting breast cancer.

* Dine & Donate: All day Oct. 16 at Burger King and Popeye's locations in Cape Girardeau

* "Bravest Wear Pink" community picnic: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Shawnee Park Center in Cape Girardeau.Attendees will be able to meet with Cape Girardeau police and fire/rescue officer, see police and fire vehicles and enjoy free food and beverages.

* Ladies Night and Garage Party, 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16, Lawless Harley-Davidson, 2100 E. Outer Road, Scott City: This after-hours event for women will review motorcycle controls, how to customize your ride and more. The night also includes food and drinks, a silent auction and prizes, with proceeds to benefit breast cancer research. Call 334-7716 for more information.

* Complimentary Aveda makeovers: Belladona Salon and Spa will provide complimentary Aveda makeup applications beginning at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at the salon's original location, 201 S. Mount Auburn Road, Suite F in Cape Girardeau.

* Macy's Supports Pink Up: 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23, West Park Mall

* Dine & Donate: 5 to 11 p.m. Oct. 24, Farradday's, Isle Casino Cape Girardeau

* Pink Up Weekend at Philanthropy: Ten percent of sales Oct. 24 and 25 will be donated to Dig for Life. Philanthropy is at 407 Broadway in downtown Cape Girardeau.

* Sweet Designs Boutique Share Day: Shop at Sweet Designs Boutique, 120 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, Oct. 24 and 25, and 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Dig for Life.

* Find a Cure 5K: The sixth annual event, formerly known as the Pretty in Pink 5K, will raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Registration is at 7 a.m. Oct. 25 at Arena Park, and the run begins at 8 a.m. Registration forms are available at caperoadrunners.org.

* "Battling Breast Cancer" seminar, 5 p.m. Oct. 27, HealthPoint Fitness, Dr. Sarah Colwick and Dr. James C. Mosley of SoutheastHEALTH will present on "Battling Breast Cancer" as part of Southeast's "Bravest Wear Pink" breast cancer campaign. Light refreshments will be served. The seminar is free; register at SEhealth.org.

* RENEW, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28, Fitness Plus, Saint Francis Medical Center: Tonight is a time to RENEW -- Refresh, Energize, Nurture, Exhale, Work Out. Learn about risk factors for breast cancer, the importance of early detection and screenings and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Featured speakers are Dr. Sarah Colwick, breast surgeon, and Pam Lewis, Womancare breast cancer navigator and nurse practitioner. The evening also includes a Zumba demonstration, wine, cheese, socializing and chair massages. Kids Plus child care is available during the event at $2 per child for Fitness Plus members or $4 per child for non members. Register by calling 331-3996.

* Saint Francis Auxiliary Pink Pumpkin Bake Sale: 8 a.m. Oct. 29, Healing Arts Center Lobby (entrance 2)

* Pink Moon Run & Walk: The fifth annual Pink Moon Run & Walk starts at 5 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Cape County Courthouse in Jackson. The event, organized by A Sister's Hope, will raise money for breast cancer research and other local charities. The event starts with a welcome at 5 p.m., an 8k run/walk at 5:45 and an awards presentation at approximately 7 p.m. Visit asistershope.org for more information.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642