MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Members of Team MacDill united to participate in the second annual Walkin’ Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 25, 2016.
The event featured a two-mile walk in support of breast cancer awareness, as well as more than 20 health-related booths in the Short Fitness Center.
Many booths were present to educate and raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. These booths included massage therapy, physical therapy and skin care, women’s health, radiology and nutrition.
“We offer as many tools and resources that we can to let others live a healthy life,” said Joan Craft, the director of the Health and Wellness Center (HAWC). “Getting a spot checked out and discovering an issue in its early stages is very important.”
Before the walk began, Craft gathered participants at the front of the fitness center to recognize the breast cancer survivors present.
“We’re so thankful to share this moment with you all [survivors],” said Craft. “We want you to know that we support you every step of the way.”
And with Craft’s words in mind, the survivors led the way down Bayshore Boulevard with participants close behind.
One survivor, Tech. Sgt. Jenne Markovitz, NCO in charge of medical logistics with the 6th Medical Group, shared her story of breast cancer.
“In February 2011, I discovered a lump during a self-exam,” said Markovitz. “I went to women’s health, and they quickly got me through every step of the process.
“As of today, I’ve beat breast cancer twice, and I consider my initial self-exam extremely important in my victory.”
Following the walk’s conclusion, participants browsed the booths and sampled food. Survivors shared their stories and were met with positivity.
“I can look around and see the overwhelming amount of support; it’s a sea of pink in here,” said Craft. “It means so much to me that all these people came together to help raise awareness and aid in breast cancer prevention.”