Between Women celebrates new name, broader cause
BRAWLEY — Serving as a beacon of hope for women with breast cancer for more than 19 years, Between Women Inc. will also be known as Imperial Valley Cancer Support Center offering support services to males and females with any type of cancer.
In order to bring awareness of their encompassing battle against all types of cancer, Between Women hosted the Brawley Cancer Walk Kickoff at the North Plaza on Saturday. The kickoff provided information tables and registration sign-up sheets for the 5K run and walk that takes place May 20 at Cattle Call Arena.
“Just last month Between Women helped 58 women who needed resources and guidance to help fund their care,” said event organizer Joseph Ramirez. “Today, we want to bring awareness we’re in the fight against all cancers. We can’t help patients with everything, but we’re there to provide a substantial measure of support.”
The inaugural walk from 9 a.m. to midnight May 20. For 15 hours volunteers experience the discomfort of what a cancer patient goes through in a day, noted Ramirez. Walkers must endure grueling heat, the marathon walking, thirst and staying awake through the night to know first hand the hardships of a cancer patient.
Dressed in a pink T-shirt, volunteer Rita Cortez is a twotime cancer survivor. But what helped deal with catastrophic illness were support groups and information Between Women provided. “I tell people cancer is not a death sentence,” she said. “We tell them there are multiple treatment options. And for women we have wigs and prosthetics all free of charge for women in need.”
Stopping to register for the 5K race, was running enthusiast Jaime Arellano who has no family history of cancer but was glad to help assist Between Women in their cause. And for registration captain, Stephanie Corona, she became committed ever since her dad had cancer when she was a senior in high school 12 years ago.
“A lot of people seemed to be well-informed about cancer because they know someone ill or are survivors themselves.”
Jenny Benavides volunteers because her brother died of liver cancer that was only diagnosis after his death. “That motivated me even more,” she said. “So when they ask me to help I don’t hesitate. I do it with a good heart. It’s a good cause.”
The 5k will have registration at 7 a.m. May 20 with the race to follow at 7:30 a.m. Those walking are asked to pre-register by calling Ramirez at 760-550-0452 or Between Women at 760-3511774.