Unity Health celebrates breast cancer survivors
SEARCY — Unity Health-White County Medical Center in Searcy recently celebrated the lives of breast cancer survivors and raised awareness of the disease at the hospital’s 22nd annual Barbara Montgomery Memorial Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon. The event also focused on encouraging those currently going through the fight.
“Each October, we are honored to host this luncheon to bring awareness of how important early detection is in the treatment of breast cancer,” said Brooke Pryor, Unity Health director of marketing. “It is our goal to provide education to our community and to celebrate the many survivors who have fought and won their battle against breast cancer.”
The theme of this year’s luncheon was centered on the inspirational word “brave.”
“I am personally inspired every year by the strength, courage and bravery these ladies show every day,” said Anna Brumfield, Unity Health event and foundation specialist. “Survivors truly play a vital role in the fight against cancer because their stories can greatly encourage and help others that may be going through the same battle. We are blessed to have so many amazing women as inspirational leaders in our community.”
Breast cancer survivor Sharon Stringfellow, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995, 2012 and again earlier this year, gave her personal story of her fight with cancer. Erin Hawley, a co-anchor for LIVE at 5 and Mid-Day Arkansas, served as master of ceremonies for the event, and CARTI radiation oncologist Dr. Cheryl Payne spoke about the importance of breast cancer awareness and health.
According to the American Cancer Society, there have been 810,170 estimated new cancer cases in 2015 in the U.S. alone. Of that number, 29 percent are breast cancer cases, more than any other form of cancer in women. Women ages 45 to 54 are advised to get mammograms every year.
For more information or to schedule a mammogram, call the Unity Health Oncology Clinic at (501) 278-3297. For more information concerning breast cancer, visit Cancer.org.