Library's Pink Party a big hit

What do Bunco, massage chairs, raspberry sherbet punch, and libraries have in common?
Well, nothing, actually. But when put together, they make for the ingredients to an evening of fun, games, and information that could help save lives.
On Oct. 22, the Blue Springs North branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library hosted the first in what will hopefully become an annual event: a “Pink Party,” held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Pink Party was orchestrated by Pam Knipp, an employee at the library and a survivor of breast cancer. With the help of Susan G. Komen, St. Luke’s Cancer Institute, Centerpoint and St. Mary’s Medical Centers, Cancer Action, the Girl Scouts of America, as well as several other organizations, she was able to make the library’s first breast cancer awareness event a rousing success.
The evening began with brief talks from three speakers: Marcia Deitrick from the Susan G. Komen organization, Aundrea Kleinhagen from the Cancer Action Network, and Tricia Tayrien from Yoga Alley.  Each spoke of the importance of early detection, as well as different ways to prevent breast cancer, such as performing monthly self exams, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and talking with your doctor about your risk factors.
From there, the party-goers were free to visit the various booths set up in the library, receive a free massage or bone density test, play Bunco, or simply mingle and enjoy some of the incredible bright pink raspberry punch.
At the close of the party, awards were given out for the Bunco tournament, tickets were drawn for the raffle, and the winners of the silent auctions collected their prizes. The program was attended by some 130 women, each of whom received a pink rose from the Girl Scouts on their way out.
Too frequently, breast cancer victims find that early detection could have prevented their cancer before it progressed. The aim of programs such as the Pink Party is to educate women on the importance of monthly exams and conversations with their doctors. We’re still searching for a cure, and until one is found, the strongest defense against breast cancer is awareness.
Talk to your doctor, perform monthly self exams, and keep up with your lady friends to make sure they do the same. Together, we can make a difference in the battle against breast cancer.