- May 3, 2024
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Health professionals encourage early screenings.
Wayne Grant
News Editor
There was a lot of pink over the weekend of Sept. 26 as Halifax Health and Florida Hospital both had events to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Halifax Health announced their new 386-425-PINK helpline while Florida Hospital had a Pink Army Motorcycle Ride fundraiser.
Florida Hospital Pink Army roars into town
About 150 motorcycle riders, many wearing pink, roared into Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson at Destination Daytona on Sept. 27 at the conclusion of the Pink Army Motorcycle Ride to raise awareness of breast cancer and the need for screenings and mammograms. Florida Hospital’s Pink Army, made up of volunteers, conducts events throughout October.
The ride, which started at Florida Hospital Fish Memorial, Orange City, was sponsored by Bright House. Helping coordinate the ride was Iron Order motorcycle club.
“There’s just too many people getting cancer,” said motorcycle club president, 2 Ball. “We were more than happy to take part.”
It was estimated that 150 riders took part, and each made a $25 donation to the Pink Army. Those who had a rider paid another $10.
A flag was raised at Destination Daytona which will remain there throughout October.
The Pink Army has events throughout Volusia and Flagler counties throughout October. For information, visit jointhepinkarmy.com.
On Oct. 2, Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center, 305 Memorial Medical Pkwy., Daytona Beach, will host a Pink Army kick off breakfast at 9 a.m. in the medical office building, classrooms A and B. To RSVP, call toll-free at 866-328-6417.
On Oct. 15, the Halifax Plantation Golf Association will host a golf tournament scramble at the Halifax Plantation Golf Club, 3400 Clubhouse Drive. To learn more or to register to play, email Janet Watson at [email protected].
Halifax Health says call 425-PINK
One out of eight women will get breast cancer, according to material handed out at Volusia Mall by representatives of Halifax Health at their kick-off event for the 386-425-PINK helpline for residents with questions and concerns about breast cancer.
Debra Trovoto, director of oncology services, said any woman who does not have regular exams should call the number. The main purpose is to connect women with clinical breast examinations and screenings, even if they do not have insurance. She said they have community partners who have offered to provide the service. Those getting exams must meet eligibility requirements.
Calls will be answered by a trained staff from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and the helpline will continue after October.
Trovato said the key to beating cancer is early detection, and that’s why they want to get women screened early, even if they are in their 20s and 30s.
She said stage one and stage two cancers are very curable, but stages three and four, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, presents problems.
“A lot of breast cancer goes to the brain,” she said.
For more information, visit Halifaxhealth.org/pink.
Trovato said the public will start hearing soon a lot about the helpline. It’s going to be advertised on bus wraps, billboards, etc.
