Adventist Midwest Health kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with tree-lighting ceremonies and art contests. The four suburban hospitals held simultaneous celebrations the evening of Sept. 29, turning on pink lights across the hospital campuses – both outdoors and inside – to draw attention to the observance of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, affecting one in eight women. In 2007, according to the Center for Disease Control, 202,964 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,598 women died from it.

Survivors offer inspiration

For Elaine Pikula, 62, of Bolingbrook, lumpectomy and radiation were her only treatments. Patsy Walker, 52, also of Bolingbrook, had a more aggressive cancer and required a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. Both survivors shared their stories at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital’s event, encouraging audience members to be consistent with testing and walk in hope if you are currently fighting cancer.

“Cancer is not necessarily a death sentence these days,” Pikula said. “There are so many different treatments now, it can be very manageable.”

Walker agreed. “The fear of not knowing is worse than the fear of knowing,” she said.

Community honors loved ones

At the tree lighting ceremony, community members were invited to write the names of loved ones and add them to a white tree on display in the hospital lobbies and common areas.

In addition, the winners of the annual amateur Pink Ribbon Art Contest were announced. Some were sold in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the hospital’s breast care services