Hope flourishes in fight against cancer It was early on a Saturday morning in May, and Parkcenter Boulevard was awash in pink…t-shirts, tiaras, kilts, wigs, pom-poms…and the rustling of lots and lots of tutus. And then, there were the flamingoes. It was the 20th annual Boise Race for the Cure, and a team calling themselves The Eradicators!, made up of ITD employees and their family and friends, joined thousands of participants to show their support in the fight to end breast cancer. She was joined by fellow breast cancer survivor and ITD employee Sherry Jenkins, who said that “cancer is a challenge, but I discovered co-workers, family and friends add a level of unmeasurable support.” In the end The Eradicators! was a team of 26 members, including nine employees from the ITD Headquarters campus: Survivors Cathy Spencer and Sherry Jenkins, and supporters Beverlie Edwards, Kerry Krueger, Jacque Leech, Francine McGrew, Juanita Risch, Lisa West, and Brenda Zantjer. “I was surprised to learn that women over age 70 experience the highest rates of breast cancer, and that breast cancer risk increases with age," West added. "It’s critical to raise awareness about the importance of breast health, and to remind everyone to make breast cancer screening a part of their regular annual wellness check. Early detection is key for successful treatment!” When McGrew learned of the team being formed, she did not hesitate to join - and return the support that had been provided to her. McGrew added one more statement: “Please, please get your mammograms or whatever breast screening your physician feels is appropriate. They are very quick and easy tests, and survivor statistics are very high when breast cancer is diagnosed early.” There was much more than just survivors and supporters, and tutus and flamingoes, walking in Boise on that day in May……walking along with them was Hope. And Joy. And Laughter. And Friendship. And Strength. And the reminder of a promise made long ago, to end breast cancer forever. If you need a mammogram but have struggled to schedule one around your working hours, remember that ITD brings the mobile mammography clinic to you: the next clinic dates at HQ will be November 15 and December 10. For more information about scheduling a mammogram when the mobile clinic is at ITD, please contact one of ITD’s Wellness Coordinators: District 1: Stacy Simkins 1-1297
Published 06-01-18 |