SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany

Cody Ray, Bitburg Middle School student, takes a moment to pose for a photo during the Walk for the Cure cancer awareness event. Ray was the first student to complete the first lap around the track. The goal of the event was to increase student awareness about breast cancer because one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Staff Sgt. Chris Mills)

BHS hosts successful Walk for the Cure event

Published Oct. 31, 2007
By Valerie McCamish
Bitburg High School

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Bitburg High School recently celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month in grand fashion, raising nearly $4,500 for breast cancer research Oct. 25.

The goal of the project was to increase student awareness about breast cancer because one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Inspired by family members who have battled and are battling breast cancer, students and teachers decided to come together and give to others through a community-wide activity.

Deciding on the goal of contributing money to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer research, the organizers at BHS planned an awareness event that included a Walk for the Cure and other educational experiences. Cheryl Roberson, wife of Col. Darryl Roberson, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, served as the event grand marshal and officially started the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Guests from the Health and Wellness Center and mammography radiation personnel were on site to offer awareness information. Spangdahlem Youth Programs also provided information about Fit Factor and how being active can help teens lead a healthy life.

The BHS culinary arts classes hosted a bake sale, while the BHS JROTC offered hot cocoa sales and the BHS Booster Club Snack Shack offered walkers a place to get food and contribute to the cause.

The Security Forces, Civil Engineering and Mission Operation Support Squadrons came out in large numbers to support the cause.

The goal of the project was to increase student awareness about breast cancer because one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

While breast cancer rates are decreasing, there is still much work to be done. Grassroots efforts such as this one, help combat breast cancer and ensure that in the future a cure will be found. The BHS Walk for the Cure is an example of how getting involved, students can make a difference in their communities and around the world.