By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

Some 55 participants showed up for the first Breast Cancer Awareness 5K (three-mile) Walk at Lowndes Middle School in Fort Deposit Saturday and raised $500 for the cause.

Victoria Jiles of Letohatchee, a nursing student and patient care technician for Baptist South Medical Center in Montgomery, served as coordinator of the event during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“I decided do it because I had an aunt that passed away with breast cancer,” Jiles said. “So, I decided to go ahead and try to do something for the community.”

Jiles said each $75 donation would cover the cost of at least one mammogram.

Patricia Bailey, who works for the Deep South Network for Cancer Control, a funded project of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, participated in this event.

Bailey goes out into the community to educate women on cancer prevention and screening for breast, cervical and colon-rectal cancer.

Bailey brought breast models used to show proper technique and methods for doing self-breast exams, as well as brochures and pictures for a how to on self-breast exams.

In addition, Bailey brought materials from the Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program because she said (qualified) woman could get a free mammogram or pelvic exam.

Jiles’ mother, Melinda Toliver, led the prayer for the event.

“We want you all to go out and walk – just have a good time in the Lord,” she said. She asked God to keep everyone as they “go on this walk to fight against breast cancer.”

Faye Hood of Fort Deposit said she had an aunt who is a breast cancer survivor and came in her honor. She participated as part of the Fort Deposit Volunteer Fire Department Team.

“I’m just really excited that I’m able to walk for her and in her honor,” she said. “Her name is Grace Eddins.”

Jessica and Josh Price, also a part of the Fort Deposit Volunteer Fire Department Team, said good friends ask them to participate with them and they “decided to do that in support of the town and support people that have breast cancer.”

Jiles she was proud of all the volunteers who came out including the Alabama State University dramatic guild organization.

“We raised 500 dollars,” she said.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

According to the Alabama State Department of Public Health there were 540 cases of female breast cancer in Alabama in 2011 and 67 of those cases were in Lowndes County.

Also among females in Lowndes County there were 34 cases of lung cancer and 40 cases of colorectal cancer.