National Breast Cancer Awareness Month event at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

Bill Large, from the 5th Medical Support Squadron, auctions off a quilt called "Hearts for a Cure" during the quilt auction for the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month event at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 24, while the makers of the quilt -- Rebecca Ament and Lt. Col. Anne Heinly, 5th Medical Operations Squadron commander -- hold it up. All proceeds from the auction, which raised almost $4,000, were donated to breast cancer research through the Combined Federal Campaign. The event, themed "Voices of Breast Cancer, Inspiring Hope, Supporting a Cure, included a health fair and the personal testimony of several breast cancer survivors from the base community. Photo By: Airman First Class Cassandra Butler

Minot event supports breast cancer research

Published Oct. 25, 2006
By by Maj. Elizabeth Ortiz
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- About 200 Airmen and family members gathered here to raise awareness of breast cancer during an event in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 24.

The event, titled "Voices of Breast Cancer: Inspiring Hope, Supporting a Cure," included a health fair, lunch, the touching testimony of several cancer survivors, and a spirited auction of assorted handmade quilts crafted in patriotic or pink designs with names like "Wings of Hope" and "Freedom to Hope."

"The event was such a huge community outpouring of love and support," said Lt. Col. Anne Heinly, the 5th Medical Operations Squadron commander and event coordinator. "It was a great celebration of both life and the importance of taking care of oneself."

Overall, 25 breast cancer survivors attended the special event; seven publicly shared their experience with the disease. Although the voices and stories were different, the overarching message of hope was evident in all the personal recollections.

In terms of support, all proceeds from the auction -- which raised almost $4,000 -- were donated to breast cancer research through the Combined Federal Campaign.

The event doubled the charitable contribution raised in 2005. More significantly, though, the 2005 breast cancer health fair increased the number of mammograms at Minot by 300 percent and led to the early detection of the disease in three people.

"That's the whole point," said Colonel Heinly, herself a breast cancer survivor. "We want more women and men to come in for a screening. Early detection is the key."