The Kauai Committee on the Status of Women, and the group’s partner, the Zonta Club of Kauai, were not alone in their crusade to raise awareness about breast cancer on Monday on the sidewalk fronting the Kauai Community College.
“No One Fights Alone!” was the theme of the sign-waving campaign, and the two groups were joined by Kittren Cade of the American Cancer Society, Council member Bernard Carvalho Jr., students from the Waimea High School HOSA-Future Healthcare Professionals, and other community members who supported the advocacy.
“The HOSA advisor just told us this event was taking place,” said Waimea High School student Bryden Perez. “It was up to us whether we participated.”
Crisric Ballesteros, another HOSA student, said it was the first day of Fall Break, and other students were at the mall, waiting for The Kauai Bus to bring them to the college bus stop.
“October reminds us that no one fights alone,” said Regina Carvalho, president of the Zonta Club of Kauai, and a retired nurse. “Our strength multiplies when we stand together. Awareness is the first step, action is the next. Early detection — through self-exams, mammograms, and family conversations — can save lives. This month, as we honor fighters, survivors, and those we have lost, let us shine a light on unity and resilience.”
Throughout October, the historic County Building will be illuminated in pink to honor survivors, states a county press release. Workplaces, community groups, and local sports organizations such as the Kauai Pop Warner Football League, the Kauai Interscholastic Federation girls volleyball teams, and the Kauai Officials Association, will wear pink in solidarity.
“I knew something was going on,” said Chantal Zarbaugh of the Kauai Community College, Development Office. “I could hear the cars honking from our office. I had to come and see what was happening after we pau hana.”
The Kauai Committee on the Status of Women and the Zonta Club of Kauai invite others, including survivors, supporters, and communities, to come together in solidarity. Pink is the international color symbolizing femininity, hope, and compassion.
”I learned that self-exams and mammograms are not enough,” said Edith Ignacio Neumiller, Ex-Officio, Kauai Committee on the Status of Women. “It is always good to research current facts and to reach out to the American Cancer Society. Information about breast cancer can save your life — or the life of a loved one.”
Source: The Garden Island