In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates that 310,720 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2024. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the US, aside from skin cancer. It accounts for about 30% of all new cancers in women each year.
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, residents of western Nevada County will come together this October to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, organizing their own personalized events to raise funds for Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation and local breast cancer care initiatives. “We are incredibly grateful for the community fundraising to support breast cancer care and our cancer center,” said Sandra Barrington, Executive Director of Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation. “Equally important is the awareness raised that inspires people to be mindful of their breast health and have the proper annual screenings.
Early detection of breast cancer is the best protection.” Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed annually in October, is a global campaign aimed at increasing awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and supporting those affected by the disease. Locally, the Nevada County community is known to rally together to raise funds and awareness in a variety of ways every year to help provide care for local women.
“Funds raised this year will help fund support groups at our Cancer Center for patients and their families as well as raise much needed funds for new technologies such as a Stereotactic Biopsy machine,” Barrington explains. “We are also continuing to raise funds for the Barbara Schmidt Millar Fund that provides free mammograms for those in need.” The month-long campaign will feature a variety of activities led by community members and their groups.
The Pink Patch Project is a program of local law enforcement agencies where they sell special patches and a unique coin every year to support the Breast Cancer Fund at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation. Throughout the month you will see local law enforcement out selling the patches at events such as Coffee for the Cure at Sierra Mountain Coffee Roasters and a pickleball tournament at South Yuba Club. Nevada Union Volleyball Pink Night has been continuing for over a decade.
The senior volleyball team choose one of their games in October to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. Started by Paige Carnahan in honor of her mother Kim, the event is organized by a senior every year as part of their senior project. Lake Wildwood’s Swing for the Cure Golf Tournament this year will focus on raising funds for Cancer Center support groups.
Last year’s tournament raised over $13,000 and helped the Comfort Cuisine program purchase a new freezer for their meals at the Cancer Center. CalFire is once again hosting their 40x40 Relay on Oct. 26.
The relay ends at the Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Center. CalFire personnel run the 40-mile relay from station to station and encourage the community to support their efforts. SNMH Foundation has pink bracelets for sale for $30.
Purchase one of these beautiful pieces to show your support for breast cancer. They are handmade by local volunteers and can be purchased at the Hospital Foundation office at 140 Litton Drive, Suite 220, Grass Valley. Call 530-477-9700 for more information.
“The success of these initiatives is a testament to the strength and compassion of western Nevada County residents, proving that when the community unites, they can create a powerful impact,” Barrington says. For more information about upcoming events or to donate, visit SupportSierraNevada.org/Events .
Together, let’s make a difference in the fight against breast cancer..
