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WIAACC continues its mission to help local women in need

Among breast cancer survivors who were acknowledged during the Women In Action Against Cancer Coalition’s 20th-annual Ohio Mammography Day Wreath Ceremony held Oct. 19 at the Kay Corabi Community Room in Steubenville were, front, from left, Joyce Summers, survivor story speaker Tammy Smedley, Susan Arlotta, Kelli Knight, Becky McMasters, Carolyn McCamic, Janet Pillar and Jean Hanlin, and back, Joanne Pederson, Marlene Lesnansky, who presented them with special bracelets, and Ann Craig. -- Janice Kiaski

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and with that comes a special ceremony organized by the Women in Action Against Cancer Coalition, which held its 20th-annual Ohio Mammography Day Wreath Ceremony on Oct. 19 at the Kay Corabi Community Room in Steubenville.

That included participation from Joyce Summers, who offered the prayer; Jean Lamatrice, treasurer, welcoming remarks; Janet Pillar, corresponding secretary; Janet Sharpe, who has been involved with the organization since its formation in 1994; musical selections by Thomas Graham; the presentation of special bracelets to breast cancer survivors by Marlene Lesnansky; and proclamations read and presented to Leslie Aftanas, WIAACC co-chairman, by 5th Ward councilman William “Willie” Paul and Dave Maple, county commissioner.

Breast cancer survivor Tammy Smedley, a Bloomingdale-area resident, was the keynote speaker who shared her personal story and her commitment to be a part of WIAACC.

Dr. Alexis Smith, director of breast imaging at Images Mammography Center in Steubenville, gave a breast cancer update relative to Jefferson County, and Janet Pillar gave audience members insight on WIAACC. Her comments follow:

“The Women In Action Against Cancer Coalition, founded in July 1994, is a community-based component of the Appalachia Leadership Initiative on Cancer that became part of the Appalachian Cancer Network. This is a grant-funded program supported by the National Cancer Institute. In 2004, we applied and were approved for a 501 C nonprofit status, which means that your dollars donated to us are tax free and can be completely used to help with screenings.

“Since the incidence and mortality of some cancers are disproportionately high among the Appalachia region, WIAACC was designed to facilitate the development of a strong cancer control network in these areas.

“The coalition’s mission is ‘to encourage and motivate individuals to take charge of their health.’ The approximate 25 members of the organization are dedicated to the following goals: Advancing public awareness of cancer; providing education to the community on preventative health screening; and increasing the number of people who utilize screening methods for early detection.

“We have pursued this goal through such activities as

≤ The Ohio Mammography Day Wreath Ceremony, a special ceremony each October in Steubenville at various places in recognition of breast cancer awareness month;

≤ The breast cancer poker run and balloon launch each September;

≤ Increased awareness of not only breast cancer but other cancers as well through our weeklong cancer awareness programs the third week of October each year;

≤ A bookmark promotion at area churches, bookstores and libraries as part of the Mothers Day celebration;

≤ A placemat campaign conducted during October 1999 and 2000 offered free placemats promoting breast cancer awareness to all county restaurants and Trinity East and Trinity West;

≤ The promotion of our bingo education programs at various centers throughout the county. At these events, we provide free bingo, prizes and education to the participants;

≤ Breast cancer awareness pins attached onto business cards were distributed to women at area programs and organization meetings. The purpose was to promote awareness of breast cancer through the pin and awareness of the coalition through the cards.

≤ A 13-question breast cancer awareness survey was conducted in 2000. A total of 332 people completed the survey, allowing the coalition to learn more about the knowledge needs of women in Jefferson County.

≤ Bead necklaces were made from wooden beads showing the size of a lump in a woman’s breast. These necklaces were given to survivors of breast cancer at the Relay for Life and to the children of Head Start to take to their mothers for Mothers Day.

“The coalition also has increased our mission to include helping those who cannot afford services, including breast sonograms, pap smears and colonopscopies. Our partnership with the Women’s Health Center for preventative health services has resulted in 120 women receiving services this year alone. The coalition also provides financial assistance to the men’s prostate program during Minority Health Month each April.

“The WIAACC survivor board, created by Cam Prosko, is our honorarium to those among us who have fought and won the battle against breast cancer.

“If you are interested in a speaker regarding breast cancer or men’s prostate cancer at a program or organization or would like to become a member, call Leslie at (740) 264-2710 or Linda at (740) 282-5676 at the Women’s Health Center.

“The key to the longevity and growth of WIAACC is the talent and commitment of our community coalition. You don’t have to be a professional to join our group. The only qualification you need is a desire to help. Among our 25 members are domestic engineers, nurses, social works. Our numbers include breast cancer survivors as well as those who have been fortunate not to have battled this terrible disease but admire the spirit of those who have.”

The coalition meets the first Wednesday of the month at noon, except in December, January and July. For information, call (740) 264-2710.

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