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Community Corner

The Power of Pink

Businesses and teams promote breast cancer awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a time to raise awareness of the disease through local charitable events and promote regular exams, which could lead to early detection and treatment of it.

In 2003, Susan Gray felt a lump in her breast during a self-exam and was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, she is a seven-year survivor and has owned Lake Ridge Nursery with her husband Donny for the past 19 years.

Gray is an advocate of breast cancer awareness all year long, and has participated in charity walks such as Avon's and Susan G. Komen's. Furthermore, 10 percent of all sales on Vera Bradley merchandise in the Nursery's gift shop will go to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer during two Women and Wine events.

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The Women and Wine events will be held Thursday, Nov. 4 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 6 from 12-4 p.m. Women and Wine is free and open to patrons 21 or older. The nursery is located at 3705 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge.

"It will be catered and include wine tasting, gift bags for the first 100 customers, and local vendors will give information about their products," said Gray.

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In addition to such shopping for a good cause, there is an opportunity to get out and dance during the Susan Komen Workout for Life Zumbathon Charity Event on Oct. 30. Sabah Shepherd, a zumba and belly dancing instructor, along with two other instructors will host this event on the basketball court at Woodbridge Sport and Health, 13000 Sport and Health Drive, Woodbridge, from 2 - 4 p.m.

"We will have two hours of fun with a Zumbathon incorporating different variety and styles to include belly dancing, African, Brazilian, Carribean, Columbian and Zumba Kick," Sheperd says on her website.

Interested participants can support this cause by donating $5 or more. All proceeds go to charity. In addition to the dancing, there will be breast cancer screening said Shepherd.

Prince William County Parks is also participating in breast cancer awareness activities in October, said Dianne Cabot, Public Relations Manager. Prince William Golf Club, 14631 Vint Hill Road, Nokesville, will provide a free small bucket of range balls for ladies who wear pink on Thursdays.

Also, the club will host a complimentary ladies-only clinic on Oct. 16th from 10-11 a.m. Women who wear pink to Forest Green Golf Course, 4500 Poa Annua Lane, Triangle, on Mondays, which is their ladies day, will receive a free small bucket of balls.

Members of Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center are encouraged to wear pink during their Friday workouts.

Speaking of wearing pink, that is exactly what Woodbridge Senior High School's varsity football team is doing. Everyone is wearing pink socks, and some players are taking it a bit further by wearing pink gloves or towels, said Karl R. Kerns, Director of Student Activities, Woodbridge Senior High School.

"We are hosting a game with Freedom High School on Oct. 15 and listing this as our Breast Cancer Awareness game," said Kerns.

The football team, along with the 12th Man Group, a community group that supports the school's football program through efforts to raise funds and community spirit, is organizing this game.

"We will also have a pink ribbon stenciled on the field for this game," said Kerns.

If it is time to incorporate new dishes, utensils, or cookware into your kitchen, consider doing so through Pampered Chef's Help Whip Cancer Campaign, in which there are three ways to participate. The first is to host a Help Whip Cancer Fundraiser Cooking Show in October.

In doing so, up to 25 percent of show sales will be donated to the American Cancer Society. The second way is to purchase exclusive Pampered Chef pink products, and $1 from each product purchased will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

An additional way to show your support is to participate in The Pampered Chef "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" campaign's fundraising walks. Participants can raise money and walk, or simply make a donation. For more information, or to find a consultant in the Woodbridge area, visit The Pampered Chef's website.

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