Local Hero Joins the Fight
11/6/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tammy G. Love
Director of Marketing & Medical Staff Development
Phone: (336) 651-8116
You may have heard that $5.4 Million was raised last week at Tampa Bay for the fight against Breast Cancer, but did you know that Wilkes County was represented there? Regina Davis, who works at Wilkes Regional Medical Center as Medical Staff Coordinator, participated with 2,200 others in the Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day event to raise money benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure as well as awareness of the fight against Breast Cancer. Together, with her friends, Regina raised $ 7,525.00. According to Paul Hugger, Director of The Wilkes Healthy Carolinians Council, "Regina embodies the spirit of all the employees at Wilkes Regional Medical Center, in 'Caring for Our Community'. This is not only part of her job, but it is part of who she is, someone who cares."
Listen to Regina's story and her message to everyone who has been touched by this terrible disease. "I was very proud to be a part of that experience and to represent you and your loved ones amongst the 2,200 people who walked. Thank you!"
"Day One started before dawn to get our gear dropped off to be transported to the campsite. We gathered for the opening ceremonies and as the sun came up there was a rainbow visible, even though we had not had a recent shower where we were gathered. The opening ceremony at Sand Key Park in Clearwater was filled with flags blowing in the early morning breezes with words of hope and inspiration and a chance for us to voice the names of the women we hold as heroes who have fought the fight with breast cancer. It was a wonderful way to start the 60-mile journey and it was a sight to behold to see the stream of people leave the park and make our way across the first bridge two-by-two."
"We had very hot and humid conditions on Friday with some showers that brought out the ponchos, but the supporters along the route always made me feel better and able to keep going."
"When we arrived at the campsite after walking 22.8 miles (at least) we were met with the news that a huge storm was in the gulf and headed our way. For our safety we were transported by bus into St. Petersburg to spend the night on the 7th floor of a parking garage, which had been cleared of vehicles. Imagine 50 people at a time being dropped off in the rain, carrying sleeping gear, and trying to get into 2 elevators. Some brave "soles" took the stairs to the 7th floor. I got the last spot in an elevator before I had to make that decision. It was not what I had expected, but they certainly had planned for everything, including probably 20 port-a-johns located on the city street corner!"
"Day two started at 4:30 a.m. as we began to prepare to be picked up and bused back to the real campsite, find our gear, get ready for walking and have breakfast. The food was always great and served with a smile by volunteer crewmembers. No appreciable sleep the night before made for a slow start (the lights were on all night and we had a sax and bongo duo next door), but the route opened at 7:30 a.m. and we were ready to go for 19 more miles. Again, the people along the streets where we walked were so wonderful and offered thanks along with their water, treats and signs. How can you feel tired when you’re reminded of the reason you walk?"
"Arrival at camp that day did not bring any surprises. We were met by 'tent angels' offering to help get our campsite ready and we accepted! That evening was much more relaxed and I was grateful, especially with a visit to the Med tent in my plans after dinner. I was very pleased with the treatment of my aches and pains and blisters by the volunteer staff. We were told we may have rain during the night, but did not expect to have to be relocated. Thankfully that was the case and we were prepared with all our gear protected so we could start Sunday with dry clothes and shoes."
"Day three started with taking down the tent and packing up, where were those tent angels now? It wasn't so bad and after breakfast we were ready to hit the road for the remainder of the 60 miles, sore muscles, blisters and all. Each time it became difficult, I thought of all the people like you who supported and believed in me and pushed on."
"We walked into a holding location at Spa Beach Park in St. Petersburg until all the walkers were in and from there we would walk the last .8 miles to the closing ceremonies location. Coming into the finish was amazing! Crowds were gathered that welcomed every walker with applause and gratitude, there was even a cheerleading squad there. The words fail me to explain how this felt and the emotion of the closing ceremonies."
"We struggled with the weather, our bodies and the conditions; however, when balanced against the fight for your life, this was a breeze. Thank you for all you did to support me, I'll always remember this adventure and the people I met along the way."
Regina is not the only hero in our community that is engaged in the fight, there are many others. Organized by the Wilkes Healthy Carolinians Council, a team called , "Wilkes Partners for the Elimination of Breast Caner", is working together to get the word out in the community. Antonieta Umana hosted a women's health demonstration at her church, as did Gail Howell, and Brenda Stanley. Betty Ellis, Manager of Wilkes Regional Medical Center's new Diagnostic Center, is out in the community telling women about the importance of being screened. Betty has even written a grant and is using some of Susan G. Komen's funding to provide mommographies for women who cannot afford them. Brenda Stanley at the Wilkes County Health Department works with Betty, signing women up with a program called BCCCP which stands for Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program.
Others who would like to contribute, or host a women's health clinic in their church or organization, are invited to contact Paul Hugger, Executive Director of the Wilkes Healthy Carolinians Council, at 651-8130.
