October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and student life member Adrian Milania did his part by organizing a “Pink Party” on October 6.  According to Milania, promoting awareness of breast cancer through Pierce is important due to Pierce County having the highest rate of breast cancer in Washington.

Pizza, sugar cookies with pink frosting, and pink lemonade were served to the guests who sat down to listen to guest Rhonda Kirkes, Community Relationship Manager for the American Cancer Society (ACS), discuss upcoming events, statistics, and the goals of the ACS, which includes events such as Relay for Life, #South Sound Strides and larger Pink Parties.  

Regular Pink Parties, according to Kirkes, are more of a celebration of survivors, rather than Relay for Life, which are more somber affairs dedicated to victims.  They feature attractions such as music, food, performances, special guests, and drag queens.

Kirkes also shared some statistics about breast cancer.  In 2015, 231,840 women and 2,350 men are expected to be diagnosed, and 40,290 women and 440 men are expected to die.  The ACS uses these funds for, of course, research into cancer treatment, support, education, and prevention but also several other programs previously completely unavailable to those with breast cancer.

The Look Good Feel Better program is designed to teach those undergoing cancer treatment how to use makeup to cover up negative affects on their complexion often caused by treatments such as chemo.  Participants take classes on how to use the makeup, and are provided high end, full makeup kits.

Donations also go to providing cancer patients wigs made from real hair, provided by Pantene, as well as lodging for cancer patients who need to live close to a hospital through the Hope Lodge, as well as some hotel partners.

Kirkes, who has a history of cancer in her family, was most affected when her father-in-law was diagnosed with and died of esophageal cancer after being told treatment wouldn’t be effective.  Kirkes enjoys her work greatly, saying “Find a job you’re passionate for, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

The American Cancer Society hosts over 300 events nationwide – making them the  largest network of breast cancer events in the United States. Overall, their relay events have had 11 million walkers, 22 million hours walked and 685 million dollars raised with 60 million per year.  The breast cancer death rate has gone down 35% since 1989.