Pink Ribbon Luncheon

Magoffin County-Cathy Sparks

County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences

              In 2012, Breast Cancer represented about 12 percent of all new cancer cases and twenty-five percent of all cancers in women. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in one hundred forty of one hundred eighty-four countries worldwide. Globally, breast cancer now represents one in four of all cancers in women. (National Cancer Institute Statistics-2012) Magoffin County Homemakers have sponsored the Pink Ribbon Luncheon, celebrating breast cancer survivors, and providing education for the ladies who attend about the risks of breast cancer and the importance of screening yearly for many years.  

Multiple agencies from within the county and the area participated in the event this year.  The Magoffin County Health Department, the Bluegrass Care Navigators, and the Southeast Kentucky Regional Cancer Control Specialist all contributed with information for the educational packets that were given to every participant.  Also, UK Healthcare provided many educational materials and gifts to include in the free bags, including information about services that are provided through the UK Markey Cancer center for patients who are going through cancer treatments. 

              This year, the homemakers came out in force to volunteer to decorate and prepare food for this worthwhile event. The homemakers worked all week decorating, collecting door prizes, and baking treats for the dessert bar. The Theme for the Luncheon was “Rolling Out the Pink Carpet” for Cancer Survivors.  With an “Old Hollywood” atmosphere, the event was fortunate to honor twelve breast cancer survivors, and a host of survivors of other types of cancers.   There was a delicious lunch of soup and sandwiches served, along with a beautifully appointed dessert bar, filled with many tasty delicacies.   The Magoffin County High School Dance Team, made up of fourteen young ladies,  volunteered to come and assist with clean-up, in order to earn community service hours.  The young ladies had the opportunity to take in the educational opportunity, and at the end, volunteered for another couple of hours to assist in the breakdown of all of the decorations and cleaning up the meeting room.   There were a total of ninety-three people who signed in for the event, not including many of our volunteers, who were unable to take the time to sign in on the registration.  In addition to the educational materials that were presented and provided in the free packets, a program was presented by a young YouTube personality, from Magoffin County.  Her presentation was directed to aging ladies and ladies who are undergoing chemotherapy treatments, to give pointers on how to apply makeup in order to camouflage the effects of chemotherapy and hair loss. Her popularity among the ladies made her an instant hit, and she informed them that she is following up with a YouTube presentation, in more depth, about techniques which would be helpful to the ladies.     

              Several businesses in the community donated door prizes, some specifically for the cancer survivors, and others for the general group.  The local television station publicized the event, as did the newspaper.  The Salyersville Independent sent a reporter to cover the day’s events and did a special write-up in the newspaper.  This event continues to grow in popularity and attendance each year, and has been the springboard for recruiting many new Magoffin County Homemakers members.  The  homemakers take great pride in sponsoring this activity for our community each year, and have gained respect in the community for hosting this event annually.

              Although the longtime impact of this event is not yet known, it is the goal of the Magoffin County Homemakers to educate women in the community about the importance of routine screening, and the services that are available to those who are currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.  It is the belief of the group that if one person can receive an early diagnosis and treatment, which results in a positive outcome, then the entire program and the hard work put into the event is certainly worthwhile.