Local breast cancer survivor throws pitch at Tourists game, invites community to participate in breast cancer walk

Press Release

From American Cancer Society

ASHEVILLE, NC – August 4, 2014 – Fletcher resident and two-time breast cancer survivor Darlene White threw out the first pitch at the Asheville Tourists game on Monday, July 28, 2014. White was selected in connection with the evening’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer focus, which promoted the American Cancer Society’s upcoming fundraising walk.

After White’s initial diagnosis and treatment, she volunteered in the Park Ridge Health Cancer Center bringing blankets, coffee and smiles to other cancer patients during their treatment. “Her positive, warm personality brings such hope to everyone around her,” said Lauren Woodard, social worker at Park Ridge Hospital. “Her optimistic attitude and positivity are infectious. I have watched her turn an oncology waiting room and infusion room into an informal support group. She touches lives by spreading hope, faith and hugs and with her caring, listening ear. Even on days when she is feeling poorly, she lights up the room and always has strength and grace about her. She is a perfect example of why cancer cannot take away hope.”

White invites the entire community to participate in the upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraising walk scheduled for October 25, 2014, in Packs Square, downtown Asheville. Now is the time to get involved and learn more about Making Strides and how to help finish the fight against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society is hosting a kick-off rally and informational meeting on August 28. For more information, please contact Megan Nelson at 704.553.5363 or AshevilleNCStrides@cancer.org

Since 1993, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has been the American Cancer Society’s rallying cry to build awareness and funds to fight breast cancer. In that time, 10 million walkers have collected more than $594 million and last year, hundreds of walkers came together in Asheville and raised more than $32,000.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The American Cancer Society estimates that breast cancer will strike more than 232,670 Americans this year; 7,580 in North Carolina.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer funds:

• support groundbreaking cancer research to find, prevent, treat and cure the disease;
• provide free services to help people facing breast cancer including transportation, lodging, wigs, support programs, financial assistance;
• ensure access to mammograms for women who need them; and
• help people take steps to reduce the risk of breast cancer or find it early when it is most treatable.

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About the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society’s efforts have contributed to a 20 percent decline in cancer death rates in the U.S. since 1991, and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates. Thanks in part to our progress nearly 14 million Americans who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will celebrate more birthdays this year. As we celebrate our 100^th year of service, we’re determined to finish the fight against cancer. We’re finding cures as the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings, clean air, and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.