October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Thursday evening at the Colin Powell School in Union City, the Board of Education and the Stack Administration held an informational event, while recognizing breast cancer survivors who shared their stories of beating the disease. The Board also made a sizable donation to the American Cancer Society and citizens were given to survivors in attendance.
Among the breast cancer survivors in attendance was former Union City Board of Education President Jeanette Pena, who told the audience that in today’s world, with all of the advancements made in medicine, hearing the words “it’s cancer” does not mean a death sentence.
Everyone of the speakers at Thursday night’s event, from Superintendent of Schools Silvia Abbato, to Mayor Brian Stack and the health professionals, said the most important thing is preventive care. Woman should self-breast exam and go for regular mammogram check-ups.
The evening afforded the audience the opportunity to speak with medical professionals, take home literature and hear the stories of breast cancer survivors.
Be aware of your health and take the necessary steps. Visit your physicians on a regular basis. Early detection is the key to living a long life.