Winston County Journal

Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives So, Winston Countians continue the battle against this killer disease through a fashionable fun day.

Winston Countians have readied for National Breast Cancer Awareness month with a BATTLE (Breast Cancer Awareness To Teach Ladies Early Detection) Luncheon each year with this year's held Thursday, September 25.

Women and men in attendance of the 11th annual BATTLE luncheon were provided with valuable information on breast cancer.

Michael W. Hailey, a Winston native, who works at Elliot, Hailey, Head Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Center in Baton Rouge,LA was the featured speaker. He focused on breast cancer as a disease as well as the fact it affects each individual differently. Dr. Hailey is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Wade Hailey of Louisville.

"This was a most outstanding program and very informative," said Peggy Crawford, one of the founder's of the BATTLE luncheon.

Hailey updated the group on the latest methods of detection and fighting breast cancer. Hailey noted new technologies allow the cancers to be discovered earlier and therefore give each person a better chance of survival.

Attendees also received packets of information, a reminder calendar for breast self examines and other informative materials.

Teaching the women of Winston County early detection methods, which have been proven to save lives, has been Crawford's goal since the beginnings of the BATTLE luncheon. Since the inception of the BATTLE program, mammogram rates in Winston County have been the highest rate in Mississippi.

"It is wonderful how this has grown into such a gathering," said Crawford.

Crawford and Glenda Gregory with the support of the Mississippi State Extension Service initiated the luncheon in 1999 and have grown successfully each year.

Helping show the success and the ability to fight and survive breast cancer, fifteen breast cancer survivors modeled some of the latest styles from area clothiers with Senator Giles Ward giving the voiceover for the models runway walk.

Breast cancer survivor Gloria Joiner recounted her battle with cancer as well as the effects cancer has had on her family including the loss of a sister to cancer and her daughter's diagnosis of breast cancer a few short years ago.

Of course, this day aimed at friendship, fashion and the fight against breast cancer will continue until breast cancer has been beaten so the group asks everyone to mark their calendars for next year's BATTLE luncheon on September 24, 2009.