Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. It is about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. In Bullitt County as well as Kentucky, Breast Cancer is the second leading cancer diagnosis behind Lung. (Data sources: North American Association of Central Cancer Registries (NAACCR), 2020; Kentucky Health Facts.org 2017).

   Over the past 25 years, the Bullitt County Extension Service has partnered with the Health Department and KY Cancer program to offer annual Think Pink events, celebrating breast cancer survivors, and providing education about the risks of breast cancer and the importance of yearly screening.  

   The 2020 program was cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic, but in 2021 there was a determination by the Extension Service (Agriculture and Family & Consumer Sciences) to not cancel again. The partners, Kentucky Cancer Program, Bullitt County Health Department and the Bullitt County Extension Service set out to explore new ideas for a safe method of holding the program. Thus, the idea of asking Bernheim Forest to be a new partner was born. During the event, we could promote their special attraction of the three huge giant figures made from natural materials as the backdrop for our educational stops in an outside event. We planned the event to allow for social distancing, more physical activity and self-paced participation.  Over 148 individuals and families from 7 counties came and brought family members and and children to also enjoy the new location.  The event allowed participants to stop at three educational booths placed near the giants, take a family or group photo, and see the giant exhibit with a free entrance into Bernheim Forest. One of the new educational parts of this event was the "Story Walk".  

    In a team effort, the Extension Agent for Agriculture worked diligently with the Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences to create "Think Pink" decorations for the Giants as well as prepare and set up the Photo Booth and Story Walk. All individuals attending could walk through a trail and read a children’s book, Cancer Hates Kisses. Comments during the event and in a follow-up survey, reported about 10% of the participants planning to use the book to explain breast cancer to their children and grandchildren as well as refer the book to other individuals who were dealing with breast cancer.

    100% of the individuals reported to the sponsors how much they valued being able to attend the event and bring their family!  It was a safe event where they could get out from the confines of their home, social distance, and attend an event that was a part of their past regular schedules.  Even though the mental health benefit was not a part of the planning, the changes could be visually seen in the attendee's demeanor and attitudes as they got out, walked the Story Walk, visited the booths and saw the Giants with family and friends.  One comment heard over and over was, “(This is) something a little closer to normal and I needed this!”