LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Dozens of breast cancer survivors laced up their shoes Saturday to support those walking the path they once did at Baptist Health Lexington’s second breast cancer awareness walk.
“As I said very soon after my diagnosis, I’ve joined a club that no one wants to be in, but some of the most wonderful people I know are in it,” said Diane Atchinson, a breast cancer survivor.
The event served as both a show of support and a hub of information, offering resources to cancer survivors, current patients and those looking to prevent the disease.
“I actually think without the community and without support, these challenges would be so much more difficult,” said Raquel Carter, breast cancer survivor.
Medical professionals emphasize team approach
Breast cancer surgeon Dr. Walid Abou-Jaoude said the walk highlights the collaborative effort needed to treat breast cancer patients.
“I just look around and I see what everybody else is doing, the partners putting all the tables out there to show them what kind of services we can provide in the community and then all the different specialties; it takes a village to treat a breast cancer patient,” Abou-Jaoude said.
Survivors share importance of early detection
Survivor Shamiah Booker emphasized the importance of routine checkups and genetic testing.
“My sister was actually diagnosed two months after me, so not only is it important to do your routine checkups but also genetic testing as well,” Booker said.
Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman attended the event and opened up about her own connection to breast cancer.
“I have a lot of folks that I really care about that have been through this and I had a scare myself a few years ago and all of the informational booths that are here today are a piece of the puzzle of this journey that some of these women have gone on or will go on, and so the more they know and the sooner they know it, the better off they’ll be,” Coleman said.
After the walk, breast cancer experts and survivors took part in a discussion panel to facilitate an open conversation surrounding breast cancer.
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