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Walk for Women’s Wellness coming in May
Thousands of Miami Valley residents are expected to participate in the 15th Annual Walk for Women’s Wellness at Carillon Historical Park on Sunday, May 3.
The walk, presented by Kettering Medical Center Foundation, will start at 2 p.m. and winds its way around a two-mile path in the park and river area.
The goal is to raise $125,000 this year, which will go towards paying for mammograms and other breast cancer services for underserved people in the area, said Kevin Lavoie, Kettering Health Network. The services are available to both men and women and those who do and do not have health insurance.
With early detection, breast cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Nearly 7,000 people have received fully-funded mammograms thanks to the Walk. The event has raised more than $800,000 over the years. Those accessing the funds can visit the medical facility of their choice.
Organizers have living proof of the fundraiser’s effectiveness, said Theresa Geisterfer, event manager for the foundation.
In one instance, a 19-year-old woman received a mammogram through the funds raised. She had detected a lump in her breast and had a family history of breast cancer. The lump ended up being cancer and she was successfully treated, Geisterfer said.
“She’s someone who would’ve fallen through the cracks,” she said. “At age 19 or 20, no insurance company would pay for a mammogram because insurance companies think you don’t need them (at that age.) She’s alive today because of it.”
Another woman found herself divorced with no job and no health insurance and in need of a mammogram. She also was aided through the fundraiser.
Now, she and a team she organized helps raise funds at the walk, Geisterfer said.
At the walk, participants can get free bone density screenings and free neck massages. The event will feature door prizes and a quilt raffle. You can also shop the boutique for pins, paperweights and t-shirts. All walkers get a free t-shirt.
Pledges come by flat-fee donations, not amounts per mile.
“Donations are as small as a dollar and up to $500,” Lavoie said. “Some people raise tons. We’ll get pages and pages of pledge sheets from one person.”
Many people walk in memory of someone who died of breast cancer or in support of someone dealing with it currently. Others walk who have survived cancer.
“They walk in memory of mother or sister or whomever,” Lavoie said. “It’s really a nice poignant event.”
Registration begins at 1 p.m., with walkers paying a registration fee of $25. This fee is waived if you collect at least $100 in pledges. Cash will be accepted at the Walk, and you can also give by check or credit card.
To get a pledge form or more, call (937) 395-8607.
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