On average, 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer.  It is the second most common cancer affecting women behind skin cancer.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and local Girl Scouts have been doing their part to increase awareness in the community while learning about the importance of the subject at the same time.  Girls from Lenoir, Greene, Johnston and Wilson counties joined forces for a fun filled day of learning about breast cancer, how to prevent it and detect it.  Activities included a Zumba class and an overview of a healthy diet to focus on keeping their bodies healthy, learning ways to decrease stress, identifying early signs and symptoms of breast cancer and making ribbons pumpkins to help spread awareness to their family, friends and their community in general.  

Middle School and High School aged Scouts spent time interviewing two survivors of breast cancer to get a deeper understanding of the importance of mammograms and self-exams, and how cancer treatments have changed in the past decade.  They finished out the morning by packaging over 40 chemotherapy care packages to be gifted to current breast cancer patients.   These packages were distributed to the Hope Lodge in Greenville, UNC Lenoir, and the Southeastern Medical Oncology Center in Goldsboro.  

Breast cancer is a topic near and dear to the hearts of girl scouts young and old.  Our Founder, Mrs. Juliette Gordon Low, fought a brave battle involving innovative techniques and treatments at the time before ultimately succumbing to the disease in January of 1927 at the age of 66.  

Do you know a girl who could benefit from the opportunity to be a Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker and Leader like these girls? The beginning of the school year also starts the new year for the Girl Scouts. September is when they begin their big kick-off drive. If you’re interested in more information about Girl Scouts or on how to join a troop in your area visit nccoastalpines.org. to join in the fun!