ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - More than 75 members of Team APG came out for a three kilometer walk in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month hosted by Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic's Performance Triad Team Oct. 24.
KUSAHC Chief of Preventive Medicine Capt. Joanna Moore said the purpose of the event was to recognize breast cancer survivors and to enhance awareness and emphasize the importance of annual mammograms and monthly self examinations.
Before the walk, breast cancer survivor Mary Buchwald, a program analysis officer with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center (CERDEC) shared a few words.
"Awareness and early detection are the keys to saving lives," she said.
A year ago, Buchwald was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks before the KUSAHC breast cancer awareness walk. More than 20 co-workers participated in the event to show their support.
"To those who walked along side of me, providing their unending love and support, I am eternally grateful," she said. "And a lot of you are here today."
Buchwald found out she had cancer after receiving an annual mammogram. With no history of breast cancer in her family, she was surprised by the news. She said the support from her Family, friends, co-workers and church members gave her courage to proceed with the treatments.
"A cancer diagnosis of any type will take you back a few steps, but you have the power to make the decision to move forward in a positive way," she said.
Buchwald concluded by saying she is excited for her upcoming retirement and to live the rest of her life cancer-free.
After the walk, CERDEC employee Michael Turner said he walked for his mother who passed away from cancer and his sister who is a breast cancer survivor.
"Cancer is devastating," he said. "It really hurts the Family."
Helen Rucker walked in support of her husband, Carlton Rucker, a program manager with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM), who is a cancer survivor.
"We got through it with a lot of prayer," she said.
Carlton, who has been in remission for a year and a half, said he felt encouraged during the walk.
"Events like this remind us that there is hope," he said.
For more information on breast cancer detection call KUSAHC Community Health Nurse Sue Singh at 410-278-1771 or e-mail sunaina.singh.civ@mail.mil.
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