Pink 5K for breast cancer awareness set for Oct. 7

CRESCO - Regional Health Services of Howard County announces its first Power of Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk for breast cancer awareness, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 7 at Kessel Park in Cresco.

Howard County residents of all ages are invited to take part in supporting the fighters, admiring the survivors, honoring the taken, and never, ever giving up hope.

Proceeds from the event will benefit two local organizations: The Howard County Cancer Association (HoCA) in support of local cancer patients, and Regional Health Services’ new mammography and technology.

Preregistration deadline to receive a T-shirt is Tuesday, Sept. 19. Race-day registration takes place from 7:30-8:30 a.m.; race time is 9 a.m.

Registration fee is $30 per person. Registration forms are available online at rhshc.com under ‘events’ or on Regional Health Services of Howard County’s Facebook page under ‘events.’ Paper forms are available at the registration desks at the Cresco Medical Clinic and RHSHC Main/ER entrance, and at the Cresco Fitness Center.

Nikki Van den Heever, lead mammography technologist at Regional Health Services, said this is the first year the hospital is organizing a 5K fun run/walk.

“Last year, we did the silent auction gift baskets very successfully, so we are trying to do something to get more participation. A big part of the 5K is to show support to those in this community who are affected by breast cancer.”

Tasha Croell, director of radiology, said, “One in eight people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The 5K is a great way to have that family support. People take an interest in healthy initiatives.”

To that end, Croell said facts about breast cancer will be posted along the 5K Run/Walk route. Additionally, a large pink ribbon, made with materials donated by Spahn & Rose Lumber Company in Cresco and assembled by Regional Health Services’ Maintenance Team, will include card stock ribbons for race participants to write the names in honor of or in memory of loved ones who have battled or who are currently affected by breast cancer.

Race ambassadors will also be a part of the event.

This year’s silent auction gift baskets will be previewed at the 5K fun run/walk. Following the race, the public may view and bid on the gift baskets at the Cresco Medical Clinic until the end of October.

Van den Heever and Croell hope the Power of Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk will encourage people to be proactive in scheduling mammograms.

“We try to do our part to help people in our community with breast cancer awareness,” Van den Heever said. “Early detection is huge for the best outcome, so we really want to promote that and we want to support families and people who have gone through or are currently going through it.

“For those affected by breast cancer to see the community support is great for them, and to share their stories and possibly help others along the way is affirming for them,” she said.

Croell said the Power of Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk is different than national events in that the proceeds are staying in Howard County.

“This is local, and funds will stay here for newer technology, so we can better serve the people in our community,” she said.