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OctoberPer Stirling Volunteers! – Breast Cancer Awareness
In the United States half of all women and a third of all men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The odds are that we will all be affected in some way whether it’s a personal diagnosis or a friend or family member developing cancer.
Exciting and innovative advances in research, prevention and treatment are being explored and developed from Artificial Intelligence detection of cervical precancers to improved global access to HPV vaccines in low and middle-income countries. Still, we have a way to go on tackling this pervasive disease so it’s important to keep up awareness and contribute to the cause.
During the month of September, Branch Operations Manager, Rachel Hurley, spearheaded Per Stirling’s community initiative for cancer awareness.
Advisors and staff donated to St. Baldrick’s Foundation which funds research toward childhood cancers. Every day worldwide, 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer and in the U.S. it is the number one fatal disease for children. St. Baldrick’s is working to change this by seeking out the most promising research efforts and providing funding for them.
Per Stirling also donated over $900 to Komen Austin and seven of our members walked in the 29th Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk™ with Operations Specialist Heather McAshan’s team, “Heather’s Healers”.
Per Stirling’s own Heather McAshan is a Breast Cancer Survivor. Two weeks after her annual mammogram results came up normal, she discovered a lump and was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. Doctors surgically removed the lump and she began six rounds of Chemotherapy. Heather shared with us:
“Each day of my journey presented new challenges and I tried to face them with a smile on my face. The journey was not an easy one and without the support and encouragement of my friends and families I do not know how I could have done it.”
We are inspired by Heather’s strength and attitude. She says, “Cancer is a club I do not want anyone to have to join. I share my story so others might learn from it.”
To learn more about the disease and ways you can help, here are some links:
National Cancer Institute
American Cancer Society
St. Baldrick’s Foundation
Susan G. Komen
During the month of November the Per Stirling team will focus our community efforts toward hunger relief with the Central Texas Food Bank.
