(Cushing, Okla.) Over 225 ladies and gentlemen were at the Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon going from laughter to tears as if they were riding in a race car going from 0 to 100.
Over 40 ladies ranging in age from 30 years old to 90 years old were recognized as survivors of Breast Cancer. Each received a tea cup bouquet and a breast cancer wrist watch as they introduced themselves and told of their length of cancer survival. The longest survivor was 30 years and the shortest was 1 week. (Survivor times begin when a person is diagnosed.) Pauline Loftis, a donor and regular attendee of the luncheon, was having surgery as the luncheon was being held. A bouquet of white roses was presented in her honor.
The theme of the luncheon was Sinking Breast Cancer to correlate with the sinking of the Titanic which was 100 years in 2012. Dr. Tracy Pyles, M.D., opened the luncheon with words of prayer. Ms. Martha Ray, a historian from Pawnee, was the keynote speaker. She shared amazing stories about the sinking of the Titanic and also the fear and bravery of those involved. Ms. Ray mentioned that those suffering with breast cancer would also have fear and bravery as they walked into the unknown.
Additional stories came from Ms. Barbara Lehr as she told of having a rare form of breast cancer that was undetectable by a mammogram. Ms. Dedra Marotta, chairperson for Cushing Relay for Life, introduced and acknowledged Doug Baker for being selected as a member of the Heroes of Hope, Class of 2013. Doug was nominated by Dedra for his exemplary care that he gave Karen as their family struggled through her illness. Doug is one of 2 selected from Oklahoma and he is being trained by Relay for Life and will promote Relay for Life throughout the area.
Musical entertainment was under the direction of Holly Tichenor. Jackie and Mike Davis presented songs from the “Theme from the Titanic” and Lexy McKnight, Ryan Gaskins, and Pam Hawthorn presented the song “Que Sera Sera, Whatever Will Be Will Be.” Joe Kennedy, ProEvents, provided the sound system.
The Cushing Fire Department served the luncheon. This is their fifth year of service. Chief Chris Pixler remarks “this is our way of giving back to the Foundation and to the community.” With their service, the Luncheon saves money that can be used to provide treatment.
Over $6000 was raised through the sale of the Silent Auction Baskets. Over 80 baskets were donated by individuals and by companies in the area. The Cushing Police Department assisted the committee with the baskets. With their assistants, the basket pickup went more smoothly. The committee relies on basket sales to generate funds to help people in the Cimarron Valley Region that are in need of breast treatment and cannot afford it.
Along with the baskets, over $12,000 was received in cash, decorations, gift bags and items for the bags. With their assistance, more funds are available to help others.
This is truly a community event. Funds raised are used in the Cimarron Valley Region. If you know of anyone in need of breast care, please contact Marian Gilkerson at 918-225-8125 for more information.
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