Get Involved!
Helping the Hoo-Hahs & Rockin' the Pink
There are so many people doing so much good right here in the Lowcountry. Below are just two examples of locals making a difference for locals. So many think it's a dog-eat-dog world. Events likes these prove that there are still wonderful people in the world. You, too, can make a difference by joining in, helping, and being a part of these worthy events for women!
HELP THE HOO-HAHS
Many people do not realize that 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed with a GYN cancer in their lifetime. Ovarian cancer is usually diagnosed in late stages and more than half will die within five years. The majority of cervical cancer cases can be prevented, yet less than half of all eligible people are vaccinated against HPV. In contrast to breast cancer, GYN cancers are rarely discussed and little resources are available. Help the Hoo-HahsÆ is a local non-profit organization breaking the silence surrounding these below the belt cancers, and raising financial support for women still fighting.
September is National GYN Cancer Awareness month and their fundraising events kick off Thursday, September 26, 2013 at the Bluffton Cinemark with a one-time showing of the award-winning movie No Evidence of Disease. Experience this inspiring true-story of remarkable courage, devoted families, and dedicated doctors. As music and medicine join forces in the fight for life, the surgeons are transformed into rock stars and their patients jump on the bandwagon, infusing the struggle for survival with heart, hope and Rock-n-Roll!
The fundraising events continue with our 3rd Annual 5K Walk/Run on Hutchinson Island on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. This year, this event will be a part of the first ever international relay, Globe-athon: The Walk to End Women's Cancers. Participants in more than 80 countries will make history by walking in solidarity with each other and with millions of women and families affected by gynecologic cancers.
To learn more, to register for events, to become a sponsor, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit helpthehoohahs.org. You can also contact Libby at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
ROCKIN' THE PINK
Bluffton Firefighters' Auxiliary is hosting its 4th Lowcountry Rockin' the Pink Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 5, 2013. The three-mile walk will begin and end at Red Cedar School, 11 Box Elder Street in Bluffton.
Registration starts at 7:00 a.m. and opening ceremonies begin at 8:15. This year's walk will include vendors, food, drinks, and a silent auction filled with a variety of items. Survivors will be recognized that morning, as well. Now is the time to make your plans for this fun-filled day!
Registration fee is $20 before September 30 and $25 October 1 through walk day. Walkers can register online at active.com and search Lowcountry Rockin'the Pink Breast Cancer Walk, beginning at 7:00 a.m. on walk day, or register in person at the Bluffton Township Fire District's headquarters at 357 Fording Island Road in Bluffton. You can also register at Packet Pick-Up on Thursday, October 3, from 5:00 - 9:00 at Jim N Nick's on Fording Island Road in Bluffton. Prizes will be awarded to teams of five or more for most money raised, most team spirit, and most members of team present on walk day. Gather all your friends and make it a date! Commemorative shirts will be available for purchase for $10.
All profits of the walk will stay local to help Lowcountry women with low-cost mammograms and helping those who have been diagnosed and are currently fighting breast cancer. "We know that breast cancer is not just a women's disease," says Co-Chair Lori Thompson. "It affects families, friends, co-workers, communities, and yes, even men." Treatment is often expensive and long-term. Many times, a woman cannot work during her treatment and must rely on others for help with even the simplest of things.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Volunteers and donations to the silent auction are also needed. "We have some great silent auction items again this year," says Mary Caruthers, Co-Chair and breast cancer survivor. "We have food items, jewelry, books, art. And who wouldn't want to have dinner at the fire station with all the firefighters?" All donations can be mailed to or dropped off at Bluffton Township Fire District headquarters, Attn: Lynn Wiltse, Breast Cancer Walk, 357 Fording Island Road, Bluffton, SC 29909. Men can get involved by walking or being part of the Mile of Men, lining the walk route to encourage those walking. More information on this year's events can also be found on line at blufftonfd.com/auxiliary.php.
Come and be a part of the excitement!