MacDill HAWC exceeds expectations in breast cancer walk event

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Health and Wellness Center at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida., held the first annual "Go Pink Breast Cancer Walk and Expo" on Oct. 7, 2015. According to Joan Craft, 6th Force Support Squadron HAWC flight commander, getting even a small number of people would have been an accomplishment.

"I was praying for 50 people as this was our first breast cancer walk," said Craft.

Little did she know, over 300 people would come out to support the event.

"Getting 300 people was amazing!" exclaimed Craft. "The turn out exceeded our expectations."

Pink shirts saying "Walk Your Buns Off" were given to the first 150 people to register. Participants were also able to walk through the expo and enjoy free food, massages, and other free services.

Following the opening remarks, participants walked two miles from the Short Fitness Center, down Bayshore Blvd. and back. Everyone was allowed to move at their own pace, with some opting to jog instead of walk.

Along with those who came out to support, Craft was also grateful for those volunteers that helped to make the event a success.

"The volunteers were exceptional and they came from all over the base," said Craft. "They showed up bright and early at 6 a.m. with a smile on their faces and ready to do whatever was needed."

To conclude the event a raffle was held to give away free prizes.

All in all, Craft is just looking to help people make life changing healthy choices.

"As a health promoter and a health educator our job is to make a difference, spread the word and inspire people to make a life-long change to achieve true wellness," said Craft. "I can't think of a better way to do that than by wrapping your arms around the community and having an exciting, fun event that includes a physical fitness activity that everyone can do.

Add some fresh healthy snacks and voila, it turns into a great event and hopefully we have touched some folks to make healthy changes and early detection interventions."