Monday, October 1, 2012

Pink Army declares war on breast cancer

By CHRISTY SWIFT | Highlands Today correspondent

Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center wants you to join the Pink Army, but you won't have to go to boot camp or learn to shoot a weapon.

This statewide campaign encourages women to increase awareness about early detection and prevention of breast cancer by completing "missions," earning rewards, and passing the word on to family, friends, and co-workers.

"We want everyone to be a soldier," said Cathy Albritton, director of marketing and community relations at Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center and a breast cancer survivor. "It's a lot of fun."

"Soldiers" can enlist free of charge by visiting www.jointhepinkarmy.com. As a private, each enrollee receives a pink dog tag that entitles the bearer to discounts in 37 local businesses good through Oct. 31.

Privates can move up through the ranks by completing various missions. Recruiting ten or more soldiers earns a T-shirt and the rank of lieutenant. Attending an educational event or sharing a Florida Hospital breast cancer story earns a tumbler and the rank of captain.

Planning a "pink party" for five or more people earns a tote bag and the rank of colonel as well as a gift card once the party has been completed.

Earn the rank of major by scheduling and getting a mammogram at either Florida Hospital or Seascape Imaging and receive a car magnet and mammo charm. Mammograms will be offered at a discounted price of $99 through the end of the year.

The top level of general is earned by recruiting 99 or more soldiers. Generals will receive a gift card.

Florida Hospital Seascape Imaging South, located at 2950 U.S. 27 South, is serving as the local headquarters for the campaign and houses all of the materials needed for completing the missions, such as hosting the breast cancer awareness party.

Soldiers also can donate a mammogram, schedule their own mammogram, find local discounts and more on the website.

The Pink Army Strut, an event being held Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at Florida Hospital in Sebring is also open to all participants. This "Girls Night Out" will feature mocktails, live music by Lotela Gold, and a swag bag filled with pink goodies. The first 300 women to register will receive a special-edition Vera Bradley wristlet. Registration costs $20, and proceeds will go toward providing mammograms for women in need. To register, visit www.jointhepinkarmy.com and click on "Upcoming Events."

"We are hoping women will get together with a co-worker or friend and come dressed in their craziest pink attire," said Albritton, describing the strut as a "no-sweat walk" through the hospital grounds with stops along the way for mocktails, hand-painted "tattoos," beads and more.

"Declare war on breast cancer and get your mammogram," said Albritton, adding, "When women get screened annually, it decreases cancer deaths."

For more information, visit www.jointhepinkarmy.com or call 386-6380.

Source: http://www2.highlandstoday.com/news/news/2012/sep/30/l4newso3-pink-army-declares-war-on-breast-cancer-ar-514342/

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