MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- More than 190 people gathered on the seawall behind IronWorks Gym to participate in a 5K walk/ run to support breast cancer awareness month Saturday.
“I am so pleased to see such a great turnout in such a small community,” said Darci Kruse, Health Promotions assistant director. “This is a great way for our community to come together and show our support for breast cancer.”
The walk/run this year was a success with more than quadruple the amount of participants from last year. There were only about 35 participants last year.
Mindy Garner, coordinator for the event, was one of the three breast cancer survivors among the participants for the run. Garner helped coordinate the event with her son.
"My son, Jacob Garner, has done so much," said Garner. “His Boy Scout troop became involved so they could also show their support."
Boy Scout Troop 77 set up, made display boards and posted as road guards for the event.
Garner is the third woman on this base to be diagnosed in the past year.
“Breast cancer is more prevalent then we know. Early detection is the key,” said Garner.
Breast cancer is one of the leading killers of women today, killing more than 44,000 yearly. One in every 10 women will be diagnosed, but with all the research and awareness, nearly nine out of 10 can survive it.
“If you are diagnosed, know that you’re chances are high because of all the money that has been made and all the research that has been done,” said Garner.
Eating healthy, exercising and cutting smoking are all ways to help prevent cancer.
“The most important thing is to take care of your body,” said Garner. “As a wife and mother, I know what it’s like to get carried away thinking of other things, but it’s OK to be selfish with your health.”
Self exams and annual mammograms are important steps in staying cancer free.
“Men also play a big role. My husband found my lump,” Garner said. “More and more men are finding the lumps every day.”
Awareness will continue to spread throughout the base with weekly one mile walks being conducted every Friday afternoon throughout the month of October.