Posted by: John_Hamilton on 09/11/2012 05:10 PM
Updated by: John_Hamilton on 09/20/2012 08:11 AM
Expires: 01/01/2017 12:00 AM
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Pink Lights In The Night Will Shine In Calaveras County for Breast Cancer Awarenes
San Andreas, CA... Mark Twain St. Joseph‟s Hospital (MTSJH) is once again promoting Pink in The Night in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mark Twain St. Joseph‟s Hospital will be promoting the importance of the fact that early detection of breast cancer, followed by prompt treatment, saves lives. The entire community is invited to participate in "Pink in the Night‟ opening ceremony October 1st, in Valley Springs at the Terrace‟s (Common Grounds) at 6:00pm. All survivors and participants will be able to light a candle in tribute to those that are currently battling breast cancer, or in remembrance of those that bravely lost their battle, and ones that have survived the disease. “This is the fifth year that the Mark Twain Health Care District has funded the Pink Lights,” commented Mark Twain District Board Member Dr. Peter Oliver. “On behalf of the board, we are thankful to be able to promote this community wide breast cancer awareness event.”
The emphasis on creating Pink in The Night was to serve as a reminder to women that it is time to take charge of their own health. To remind women about the importance of an annual mammogram; to do a
monthly self-exam; or see a physician for a regular check-up.
“According to the American Cancer Society an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in 2011 among women,” noted Dr. Oliver. “Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed in U.S. women. Research also states that in 2011, 1% of all new breast cancers were among men. More than 2.6 million U.S. women currently live with breast cancer, many in our community.”
Through the „Every Women Counts‟ program, women can obtain free cancer screening health care services such as cancer screening pap smears, breast screening exams, including digital mammography and diagnostic imaging reading from the radiologist. Women that are California residents can qualify to meet the income guidelines that pertain to those that do not have health insurance, or are underinsured with high deductibles and high co pays. Those women that may be unable to afford to cover these costs may be able to immediately qualify for free services through the „Every Women Counts Program.‟ Any women desiring these services can call (209) 754.2968 to make an appointment through the MTSJH Family Medical Center in Arnold.
The pink lights symbolize hope, and MTSJH aspires for Pink in The Night to make a difference in someone‟s life. This event was originally started five years ago by Calaveras residents Amy Cullick, Peggy Lucas, Debbie Sellick and Suki Tuthill. In honor of National Breast cancer awareness month, the women all felt that October is a time to honor those living with breast cancer, their families, friends, and all those who provide them with love and support; and to everyone that has been touched by the disease. Both the Health Care District and Hospital Foundation have actively supported women‟s health initiatives by raising money to support the Foundation‟s current Women‟s Health Resource Center & Family Medical Center Campaign.
The communities of Angels Camp, Arnold, Burson, Copperopolis, Mokelumne Hill, Murphys, & San Andreas, Valley Springs, Wallace, West Point, will light up with pink lights at their businesses on the evening of October 1st and will keep them lit during the entire month of October.
All Calaveras County Businesses are encouraged to „Pink‟ their businesses. Mark Twain St. Joseph‟s Family Medical Centers will have the lights readily available for business to pick up at all five locations. For further information, please call Nicki Stevens, at (209)754-5919.
About Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital
Founded in 1951, Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital is a 25-bed critical access hospital providing inpatient acute care and emergency services. The hospital's Medical Staff represent a broad range of specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural community. In addition to being a major provider of health services, Mark Twain St. Joseph's Hospital is also a major source of jobs for area residents. On average, more than 300 people are employed at the hospital and its five Family Medical Centers. The hospital is a member of Dignity Health, the fifth largest healthcare system in the nation.
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