Editor’s note: This is the second story in a month-long series related to breast cancer.
For the second straight year, the annual Miracle Mile Walk will be a Miracle Mile Drive.
Laurie Ott, president of the University Health Care Foundation, said the decision to change the format wasn’t a light one but is in the best interest of those the event celebrates.
“Our survivors are a big deal to us,” said Ott.
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Each year, about 300 breast cancer survivors participate in the fundraising event, she said. Some of them may have compromised immune systems.
The drive will be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Oct. 16 at the University Hospital Summerville Campus on Wrightsboro Road. A live broadcast will be at 9 a.m., and a raffle will be at 11 a.m.
People can drive through the campus and drop off their donations. Healthcare workers will cheer on survivors along the route.
The event began 20 years ago when Queenie Jones, a former Kendall Co. employee and former University Health Care Foundation Board member had the idea for a walk to raise awareness and money to fight against breast cancer, according to the Miracle Mile Walk website.
The first walk was a mile along Marvin Griffin Road. About 90 people participated, raising $3,000. The walk grew to attract more than 15,000 people to three-mile route in downtown Augusta.
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In previous years, there was a T-shirt contest; instead, people are encouraged to decorate their cars.
Money raised through the event goes toward the Randy W. Cooper, M.D., Center for Breast Health Services and the mobile mammography vehicle, which provides tomography or 3D mammograms to women regardless of their ability to pay, according to the website.
“Early detection is important. Breast cancer is very survivable. We’ve come a long way,” said Ott.
In conjunction with the Miracle Mile Walk and breast cancer awareness month, Augusta Regional Airport will present the fourth annual Field of Pink display.
Pink flags will be placed around the airport entrance to honor those who’ve fought breast cancer, according to a news release.
“We are very honored again to support the Field of Pink Campaign,” said Herbert L. Judon, Jr. Augusta Regional Airport’s executive director. “These pink flags represent a constant reminder of the individuals, families and healthcare workers on the frontlines battling breast cancer.”
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The airport will sell the pink flags for $1 and T-shirts for $20 or two for $30 with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the walk. The items will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The flags will be on display through the end of the month.
For more information on the Miracle Mile Walk, visit themiraclemilewalk.org.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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