Human Pink Ribbon Raises Awareness For Breast Cancer

Guests form a human pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness.

Guests stand arm in arm as they form a human pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness.

25 vendors joined together for the 8th annual human pink ribbon event put on by OCO’s Cancer Services Program.

Uplifting and encouraging signs were hung throughout the event.

FULTON, NY – Oswego County Opportunities Cancer Services Program brought together health providers, cancer survivors, local support programs, and members of the community to raise awareness of cancer screening opportunities to help save lives.

The pink ribbon event was the highlight of an even bigger awareness campaign throughout the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Hosted by Coordinator of OCO’s Cancer Services Program, Carolyn Handville, dozens of guests wore pink and formed a giant human ribbon to spotlight breast cancer awareness for the eighth annual event.

At the event, guests could learn more about local support programs, health providers, cancer screening opportunities, and visit a total of 25 local vendors including the Health Department on hand to administer flu shots.

“In order to let people know about our program, we try to throw events like this. We raise the awareness, but we also want to let them know our program is out there,” Handville said.

OCO’s Cancer Services Program offers free cancer screenings to anyone uninsured and between the ages of 40 and 64.

Working with a multitude of providers throughout the county, patients can have an appointment set up with their own doctor or found a doctor for breast, cervical, colon, and prostate cancer screenings free of charge.

Funded through the New York State Department of Health, OCO has been running the program for roughly 15 years.

This year, approximately 200 people utilized the services provided.

“Early detection save lives. The more we talk about it, the more people are aware and can take the necessary precautions,” Handville said.

Member of the Caring and Sharing Breast Cancer Support Group, Sue Kemp said the event was also a good way for cancer survivors to join together.

“It’s so important to raise awareness for breast cancer because for a lot of us, we have already gone through it,” Kemp said, a breast cancer survivor. “There’s a feeling of camaraderie and companionship at event’s like this. There’s so many people who don’t have access to so many things that could save their life, they can come here and get all the information and goods they need. The more we spread knowledge, the more people we can help.”

For more information on OCO’s Cancer Services Program, call Handville at (315)592-0830 or visit https://www.oco.org/health-services/cancer-services.

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