LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)- In Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month both Riehle Plaza, the pedestrian bridge, and the courthouse in downtown Lafayette are light up in Pink. The annual event helps raise awareness about breast cancer and encourages women to get their yearly mammograms.
According to the World Health Organization breast, cancer affects 2-point 1 million women every year. It also causes the greatest number of deaths among women. Allison Beggs the CEO of the Greater Lafayette YWCA says that is why their Women's Cancer Program is so important, which has taken a hit due to COVID-19. Not only were events canceled but major funding was also pulled away from the program.
“Another devastating blow came when Susan G. Women of Central Indiana because of their lost fundraising d- funded all cancer program in the state of Indiana,” said Breggs.
Biggs says that funding was worth about 100-thousand dollars. That money is used to help clients who are part of the program. Survivors of breast cancer like Rhonda Jones say events like this are important because reminding a woman to get a mammogram can save her life.
“Especially as parents we take care of ourselves last and make sure, everyone else is taken care of before us,” said Jones. “We've got to take care of ourselves to be able to take care of everybody else.”
Rhonda shared her breast cancer survival story at Friday’s event. She hopes it inspires people currently going through treatment. The Women’s Cancer Program is in need of donations if you’re interested in helping click here to learn how.
