RIVERDALE, Ga., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- For the next several weeks, the typical fall colors at Southern Regional Medical Center will be infused with a hue more commonly associated with spring: pink.
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A 30-foot-long, 5-foot-wide banner of pink ribbon will hang on the front of SRMC (facing Upper Riverdale Road) throughout the month of October to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. SRMC kicked off a month-long public service by unveiling Georgia’s largest pink ribbon banner during a dedication ceremony Friday. Hospital officials announced details of several free public events during the month to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention and treatment.
A self-exam class, free clinical exams, a lecture on mammography and a free “Lunch and Learn” seminar are among the programs offered by SRMC during October. Events require advanced registrations. Call 770-541-1111 or visit http://www.southernregional.org/cancer for more details.
“Education and early detection are key to winning the fight against this disease that threatens our mothers, sisters and daughters throughout their lifetimes,” said Edward J. Bonn, president and chief executive officer of Southern Regional Health System. “Because the threat of breast cancer is still so prevalent in our society, we decided to raise awareness on two fronts: by offering free services to the public and by giving people a very large - and memorable - visual reminder of October’s special designation.”
Speakers at the event included Pam Ashman from the American Cancer Society, SRMC Sr. Vice President of Operations Mary Kay Kiesling-Gardenier, SRHS Oncologist Dr. Jorge Spinolo and Dianne Gilley, Director of Oncology Services for SRMC.
“I think this ribbon on our building represents our commitment to the community,” said Kiesling-Gardenier, who has had two breast cancer scares in the past. Both biopsies were negative. Kiesling-Gardenier also informed the audience that her niece is currently undergoing her third round of treatment for breast cancer. “I think we have all had some kind of experience with breast cancer in one way or another, and I want to thank and honor all of the courageous women who have had to battle this disease.”
Gilley recognized Southern Regional Medical Center employees, all of whom are breast cancer survivors, and three of which work with her in oncology. Each survivor wore T-shirts with “Breast cancer can be beaten ... I’m living proof” printed on the back.
According to ACS, over 215,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004; over 40,000 deaths are predicted in the U.S. this year. Currently, there are over 2 million women in this country living with breast cancer. Death rates have declined slightly in recent years, most likely the result of early detection and improved treatments; however, diet, exercise, smoking and genetics all contribute to risk factors for breast cancer.
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Southern Regional Health System offers comprehensive health resources, including: Southern Regional Medical Center, a 376-bed, full-service hospital in Riverdale, featuring a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center; a 30-bed long-term acute care facility; The Women’s Life Center; a Diabetes Resource Center and one of the busiest emergency departments in the state. Southern Regional also provides mental health, home health care, substance abuse treatment and surgery efforts through RiverWoods, Southern Regional Psychiatric Center; Southern Regional Homecare; and the Surgery Center at Mount Zion, located in Morrow, Georgia.
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CONTACT: Tracye Bryant of Southern Regional Medical Center,+1-770-991-8395
Web site: http://www.southernregional.org/cancer