Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital to promote breast cancer awareness with luncheon, color run

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital is collaborating with several Lewis County organizations to emphasize the lifesaving importance of early detection.

The Lewis County Community Health Needs Assessment revealed the county as having one of the lowest mammography screening participation rates in the state. Only 34 percent of eligible Medicare-insured women in the county receive mammograms, a factor that likely contributes to premature death rates nearly twice the national average.

To raise awareness and encourage screenings, Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and the Lewis County Community, Education, Outreach, Service (CEOS) clubs will host the 31st annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Weston. Stephanie Singleton, Event Chairperson, and Julia Spelsberg, Outreach Coordinator, Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, are leading the planning for this year’s event. Local physician Robert Snuffer, DO, Mon Health Stonewall Primary Care, will serve as the keynote speaker, and Mark Casto, Surgical Department Director, Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, a cancer survivor and the American Cancer Society’s Men Wear Pink candidate, will also deliver remarks. The luncheon is open to the public, and reservations can be made through the West Virginia University Extension Service at 304-269-4660.

“As a cancer survivor, I know firsthand how important early detection is,” Casto said. “These events are more than just opportunities to come together — they are reminders that screenings save lives and that no one in our community has to face cancer alone.”

Also in October, Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and the American Cancer Society will host a Color Run on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the hospital campus. Participants may choose a 5K or 3K course. Unlike traditional races, the Color Run is a “fun run,” where runners are showered with non-toxic, cornstarch-based colored powder at stations along the route. Participants are encouraged to wear white shirts so the colors stand out. Pre-registration is $25, or $30 on race day. Registration is available online at Webscorer.com. Proceeds will benefit Casto’s Men Wear Pink campaign and the American Cancer Society.

“We are proud to work alongside the American Cancer Society and our community partners to raise awareness about breast cancer,” said Lisa Songer, Chief Administrative Officer, Vandalia Health Mon Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital. “Together, we can educate, inspire and encourage more women to schedule their screenings and take an active role in their health.”

For more information on either event, call 304-517-8612.