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SPRINGFIELD – Mercy Health – Springfield will host its third annual Pink Honor Walk later this month in support of breast cancer awareness.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States,with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting the diagnosis of about 264,000 cases in women and 2,400 cases in men annually.

“Breast cancer does not discriminate! Women and men can be diagnosed at any age. Everyone has a family member, friend, co-worker, or acquaintance who has had or currently has breast cancer,” said Tracy Adrian, a breast health navigator at Mercy Health – Springfield Cancer Center. “Our goal is to raise awareness! Know your body, know the changes, know when to call your doctor, do your preventative screenings, and know your family history.”

Participants can join the race by signing up on RunSignup.com. The registration fee is $30, which includes a t-shirt and goody bag.

All the money raised will benefit the following:

• Mercy Health Breast Patient Assistance Fund, a financial assistance program to help underserved women access the screening and diagnostic mammograms,ultrasounds, and breast MRIs they need

• The Breast Cancer Endowment Fund of Clark County, a group established in1995 to provide financial assistance to women in Clark and Champaign counties who have limited or no insurance for breast health or breast cancer services

• Sisters United for Prevention, a coalition of African American women promoting cancer awareness, early detection, and education in the minority community of Clark County

• Breast Friends Forever of Champaign County, a group aimed at making cancer patients feel safe and supported by helping them resolve problems that may interfere with the treatment process, including financial aid and additional resources

“Clark and Champaign counties have the highest breast cancer rates in the state of Ohio. These counties are so fortunate to have these amazing organizations to assist our breast cancer patients within our communities. We know we can always reach out to them and they will immediately jump in and assist when and wherever needed,” said Adrian.

The Pink Honor Walk will be held Friday, Sept. 27 at the Mercy Health –Springfield Cancer Center at 148 West North Street in Springfield. Events will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the walk starting at 5:30 p.m. Once the race wraps up, there will also be an after-party celebration at Mother Stewart’s Brewery in downtown Springfield.

For more information, contact Tracy Adrian at 937-523-8640.

Info from MercyHealth – Springfield, part of Bon Secours Mercy Health one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country.