BATTLE Luncheon prepares its 'soldiers'

The Winston County Journal

For twenty years the month of October has symbolized breast cancer awareness nationally. For the last 12 years, the fourth Thursday in September has kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness in Winston County with the annual BATTLE Luncheon.

BATTLE stands for Breast Cancer Awareness To Teach Ladies Early detection since early detection is a great tool in the fight against breast cancer. The group uses the luncheon as a reminder to families and individuals to seek early detection in the battle against breast cancer. The event has become one of the largest events in the county over the past 12 years according to Peggy Crawford, one of the events organizers.

The luncheon initiated by Crawford and Glenda Gregory is set for Thursday, September 24 at noon in the Lake Tiak O'Khata dining area. The luncheon and fashion show are expected to draw over 325 attendees and will feature Steve Parvin of Starkville as the main speaker.

Also each year besides the featured speaker, the group offers a glance at the "warriors" who have fought breast cancer. Through its annual fashion show of breast cancer survivors, the event gives each person a view that breast cancer can be beaten and the beauty and strength of those that have triumphed. Models for the fashion show are still being sought.

With education as one of the cornerstones of the event, the BATTLE organizers have gained student helpers for the event for the last three years. This year, Crawford arranged for two students from each school in the county. The students are Hillary Hobby of Noxapater who has helped for the last two years; Kendria Bragg of Noxapater; Hunter Worrell of Nanih Waiya; Jessie Luke of Nanih Waiya; Amanda Fulton of Louisville High School; Alexsaundra Stovall of Louisville High School; Liz Suttle of Grace Christian; Caroline Spann of Grace Christian; Amanda Arnett of Winston Academy and Mary Claire Porter of Winston Academy.

The student volunteers have become instrumental in signing in, seating and serving the meal for the large crowd at the event.

"The event will all come together," noted Crawford as she explained the details of the day to the student volunteers. Crawford also outlined her involvement with BATTLE and how losing a sister to breast cancer spurred her to help educate the community and battle back against the dreaded disease.

With breast cancer affecting one in eight women during their lives, the ten young women high school volunteers will have an opportunity to help but also will have an opportunity become educated about the dangers of breast cancer.

Anyone interested in attending or survivors interested in participating in the fashion show should contact Crawford at 773-3696, Gregory at 773-2882, or the MSU extension office 773-5531. The group is also still accepting sponsorships.