Avon 'hunts' for cancer cure
Published Oct. 17, 2003
Instead of searching for Easter eggs or Halloween candy at the city's latest scavenger hunt, Columbia residents can search for information on breast cancer.
To coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Downtown Columbia Association will hold "Hunt for the Cure" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The scavenger hunt is in association with the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade's Pink Line Project, a one-day, nationwide awareness campaign that disperses information about breast cancer in fun ways, said Susan Heaney, director of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
"The idea is to have fun ideas to get people to come out and get the information," she said. "There is a definite need to educate women and their families about breast cancer."
Columbia is one of 35 communities in 25 states holding events on Saturday. Each community has come up with creative ideas to help raise awareness, she said.
"Some communities are also raising funds," Heaney said. "Some are raising money, and some are sharing information. The Avon Crusade has raised $250 million for breast cancer research and care since 1992."
In Columbia, scavenger hunt participants will visit 10 downtown businesses and receive information and treats, said Sandi Strother, associate director of the Downtown Columbia Associations.
"Even if you don't participate in the scavenger hunt, you can still visit information booths on Broadway," Strother said.
Organizations with booths include the American Cancer Society and breast cancer support groups.
Strother said participants can also tour a mammogram van, which will be parked near the corner of Eighth and Walnut streets, and see what it's like to get a mammogram.
Boone Hospital Center will offer free cholesterol, body mass index and other cardiovascular screenings in Courthouse Square as well, said Dana Fedenia, department supervisor at Wellaware, the hospital's health and wellness center.
"When those things are at normal levels they are least likely to cause any health problems," she said. "High levels can cause heart disease, which is the number-one killer."
The cost to participate in the scavenger hunt is $10 for adults and $5 for children.