'Paint It Pink' recognizes, educates women about breast cancer awareness

Clockwise from top: From left, Lizzy Swanson shares her experience with breast cancer while standing beside fellow survivors Tami Fowler and June Busbee during "Paint-It Pink" Oct. 10 at Florida A&M University pharmacy school. Sandra Peters paints the palm of Sabrina Sturdirant pink at the Journey Java Connection table. Leah Lunderman, left, receives free information from Chris Patton at the Belk table.

CRESTVIEW —  Healthy Woman, a resource of the North Okaloosa Medical Center, celebrated  National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with “Paint It Pink” Oct. 10 at Florida A&M University's pharmacy school.

Several organizations came together to raise awareness and educate attendees about breast cancer.

Dedria Lunderman brought her 16-year-old daughter, Leah, to speak with NOMC specialists.

"You're never too young to learn this," Dedria said. "I wanted to bring her here to find out the 'how-to' from professionals."

Leah was one of several to receive a breast examination from the specialists, who showed attendees how to perform self-examinations. 

Journey Java Connection’s artists created artwork to honor those with breast cancer. Using pink handprints from attendees, the artists created painted art pieces on canvas, which will be on display during the annual Relay For Life in April 2014.   

In addition, breast cancer survivors June Busbee, Tami Fowler and Lizzy Swanson were recognized. Busbee said she was also representing her daughter Susan Kelley.  

"She is doing great, but she is still going through (chemotherapy) treatments," she said.

Having any kind of support is beneficial when dealing with breast cancer, Busbee said.

"I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have the support I had,” she said. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Paint It Pink' recognizes, educates women about breast cancer awareness