An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photo Information

Kathy Williams, the Marine Corps Community Services Health Promotion Educator and Coordinator, welcomes guests to the annual Pink Ribbon Awareness Luncheon and program Tuesday at the Officers’ Club. The event was open to Tri-Command members and the community.

Photo by Sgt. Gina C. Rindt

Prizes, fun at Pink Ribbon Awareness Luncheon

30 Oct 2009 | Sgt. Gina C. Rindt Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

This year’s Pink Ribbon Awareness Luncheon was held at the Air Station Officers’ Club in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 20.

Semper Fit used the luncheon as a time of celebration and education, which focused on helping Tri-Command military members and their families learn about the personal side of breast cancer as well as recent developments in its treatment.

“Health Promotions is excited to be able to provide an opportunity to the Tri-Command and communities at large a chance to hear about the newest breakthroughs in cancer research,” said Kathy Williams, Marine Corps Community Services Health Promotion’s educator and coordinator. “This is the 25th year of education, awareness and research in breast cancer awareness.  This is a good time to take a look back and a look forward.”

The luncheon also included the Parade of Hats competition. The categories this year included mad hatter, elegance and best-in-pink. Gifts were presented to the first, second and third place winners. Some of the participants and guests of the event are recovering or diagnosed with breast cancer.

“It’s good to get the chance to connect with others and share information and hope for a bright future,” continued Williams. “Being a breast cancer survivor of 13 years also helps me understand the tough times.”

According to Williams, the event was presented as a joint effort of MCCS, Naval Hospital Beaufort and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Keyserling Cancer Center for the community and service members.

The event’s keynote speaker was Kelly Marcom, MD, the clinical director of Breast Medical Oncology at Duke University.

He’s a medical oncologist and clinical researcher who spoke to the guests about the most recent progress, procedures and types of cancer research.

According to Marcom, breast cancer research has come a long way in the past 25 years, and it will continue to grow more and more because of the dedicated personnel working hard.

“We’re proud to be a part of this educational effort for the 11th straight year,” Williams said. “It was wonderful to see the large turnout, and we’re looking forward to a bigger and better time next year, informing the public and making it fun in the process.”