“God is good, and get a mammogram.”

Sun, 10/05/2014 - 9:37pm — Diane Dyer

“God is good, and get a mammogram.” This was a statement made by Becky Hankins at the start of Turn Morgantown Pink, and the sentiment was carried throughout the event as community members from Morgantown and the surrounding area gathered in front of the courthouse on a brisk Saturday afternoon to honor those who are fighting breast cancer, and remember those that have lost the battle. The event started at 2pm, and lasted roughly an hour.

Becky Hankins with the scarves made by the Morgantown Knitters and Crochet Club.
Becky Hankins, a seven year breast cancer survivor, welcomed attendees to the fourth annual event, held during Breast Cancer Awareness month, and invited those present to join her in starting the event with a moment of thanksgiving and prayer for those fighting and for the families of those who have fallen, as well as for a cure. Hannah Embry told how she lost her aunt, and gave an emotional delivery of the song Forever Free to honor all loved ones lost to cancer.

Alicia Lucas with her family
“Cancer really doesn’t care who it gets,” stated Alecia Lucas during her speech. Alecia was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer and Histoplasmosis at the age of 23, shortly after getting married, and soon after starting treatment learned she was with child, Lucy, a healthy little girl born last year. “My doctor was in as much shock as I was.” Alecia said,” I kept thinking to myself, why me, and why now? God quickly reassured me that everything was going to be okay…I’ve been cancer free since March of 2012. God is so good, and I encourage everyone to get your mammograms.”
Each breast cancer survivor present at the event received a handmade scarf from the Morgantown Knitters and Crochet Club. As the event ended, everyone was given a flyer from the Health Department on how to conduct a breast/testicular cancer self examination, and a pink balloon to release in honor of those who have fallen to breast cancer. Kathy Ruff, who finished her treatment just three weeks ago, shared her experience with Colon Cancer. Breast cancer, though devastating, is not the only kind that affects women. Kathy urged everyone to screen for other types of cancer as well.

Turn Morgantown Pink is an annual event inspired four years ago by 16 year old Audrey Porter, in honor of her late aunt and others who have lost their lives to breast cancer. Audrey, who is now 20, led attendees in a short walk around the courthouse. She continues to urge everyone to get involved in cancer awareness not only through this event, but through Relay for Life, and Butler County Cancer Assistance as well. “I was aware of cancer, I knew it was there, but till it hit close home, (Audrey's mother is a breast cancer survivor). She says, “If I could do anything over I would have gotten involved before….Get involved before you have a reason, and hopefully the reason disappears.”