Breast Cancer Awareness Month: St. Joseph's Offers Events, Tips

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

With that in mind, team members from the Shimberg Breast Center at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital are participating in and leading a number of events, including the following list from officials at St. Joseph's:

Project Pink: Support Pink, and Westfield Gives Back Some Green

The Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Breast Center at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital is collaborating with Westfield Citrus Park for Project Pink to support the fight against breast cancer with free health screenings, exclusive events, shopping perks and more. “Like” the Westfield Citrus Park Facebook page (www.facebook.com/WestfieldCitrusPark) throughout the month of October, and Westfield will donate $1 to support the cause, benefiting the Shimberg Breast Center at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital. 

Komen Race for the Cure, October 6, Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg

St. Joseph’s Hospitals, as part of BayCare Health System, will participate in Komen Race for the Cure. The community can join St. Joseph’s Hospitals’ team at http://suncoast.info.komen.org/goto/st.josephshospitals. Be sure to visit the BayCare booth at the event.

Project Pink: Community Health Day, October 13, 1 – 5 p.m., Westfield Citrus Park, Tampa

St. Joseph’s Hospitals will provide free health screenings including blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and glucose.  St. Joseph’s Hospital Cancer Institute will offer a video presentation and provide information on exercise and yoga for cancer patients.  Located in Macy’s Court.

Project Pink: Westfield Family Fun Days Teddy Bear Clinic, October 18, 4 p.m., Westfield Citrus Park, Tampa

Kids and families are invited for stories, snacks, crafts and more.  Children will enjoy taking their favorite stuffed friends through a “check-up” as they learn what to expect at their own physicals.  Bring a stuffed animal and admit your furry friend into the Teddy Bear Clinic. Located in Macy’s Court.

Project Pink: Sip & Shop Happy Hour, October 18, 5 –  9 p.m., Westfield Citrus Park, Tampa

Happy hour starts at at 5 p.m. Enjoy mini-makeovers, wine tasting, entertainment and a free VIP gift bag for the first 250 attendees.  Join ABC Action News Health Reporter Linda Hurtado at 8 p.m. to celebrate survivors in a special tribute to 12 women who will reveal a unique collection of garments designed by students of the International Academy of Design & Technology.  Register at the event for the chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree, plus Westfield Citrus Park will donate $1 to the Shimberg Breast Center for every event attendee.  Located in Macy’s Court.

National Mammography Day, October 19

The American Cancer Society recommends women over 40 should get an annual mammogram, which can detect a tumor or mass even before it can be felt or seen.  This quick and easy test can find cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.  The Shimberg Breast Center at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital has both screening and diagnostic mammograms available.  Please call (813) 872-2973 to make your appointment.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, October 20, 7 a.m. – noon, The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides event is not a race; it is a celebration of survivorship.  Participants come together to honor breast cancer survivors, remember people they have lost, and to raise funds and awareness.  Register at http://main.acsevents.org/goto/st.josephshospitals.