Susan G. Koman Central Georgia launches Big Wig Campaign, participants share stories of survival
GRAY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Over the next few weeks in June, local leaders will be raising awareness for breast cancer research for the Susan G. Koman Central Georgia Big Wigs Campaign.
The goal is to educate the community about breast cancer, encourage woman to get mammograms and help the foundation raise money to support doctor’s visits and research.
Director of Operations, Rachel Hollar, says about 286 woman in middle Georgia are diagnosed with breast cancer, which is almost one woman each day.
“About 50 people lose their life to breast cancer every year in central Georgia, so about one person a week is dying from breast cancer,” she adds.
Hollar wants women to know it is important to get checked regularly.
“The most alarming statistic that we’ve found around here is that we are at a very high rate of women diagnosed at a late stage.”
Late screenings may result in taking a greater risk of surviving the fight against breast cancer.
At Hidden Images Hair Salon, a mother and daughter duo have survived breast cancer, and joined the big wigs to help educated members of their community.
Hairstylist Chrissy Legg has been cancer-free for two years.
Legg says, “My first instinct was not oh my God I have breast cancer, am I going to die? My first instinct was I have breast cancer, okay, what are we going to do?”
Hairstylist Thelma Lane won her battle with breast cancer more than 20 years ago.
“I can remember when I first found mine,” Lane says, “I was not one to go to the doctor and go get mammograms or anything. I just found a tender spot one day.”
Early prevention methods is what Hollar says she wants all women to learn from this campaign.
Lane and Legg agree.
“Woman get out there. Get a breast examine,” Lane says, “Just know that you can survive it. I’m a survivor for 21 years and you can survive it.”
You can meet the Big Wigs Wednesday, June 8 at Wild Wings Cafe, located at 5080 Riverside Drive in Macon. The event is from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Click here to learn more about the campaign.
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