WILLIAMSBURG — The 14th annual Run for the Hills event, sponsored by Here For The Girls (H4TG), was held in New Town on Oct. 7 and raised more than $40,000 for young women affected by breast cancer.
“We had a fairly large member team. They came and brought their friends and family and wore their pink gear. It was wonderful to see the energy of the teams,” said Here For The Girls Director Victoria Riley, “It was a great, great morning with a lot of energy!”
The 5k and one-mile fun run saw a mix of competitive runners, walkers, and those just out to support the cause, along with a screening and prevention village that provided opportunities for health education, preventative screenings and immunizations, awareness of potential health changes, and resources that promote overall well-being.
Riley explained, “The whole concept of the village started with this ribbon-cutting of Sentara’s mobile mammogram unit. We just thought it would be cool to bring that mobile unit to Williamsburg and to our run and make it accessible to everyone, not just registered runners in the event. And from there, we met with other healthcare partners. We were overwhelmed with positive energy and support who wanted to participate.”
Several area doctors, including those from Riverside, Virginia Oncology, and Tidewater Physicians Multispecialty Group (TMPG), were on site to provide information. Seven mammograms were conducted during the event and The Prescription Shoppe provided 20 flu shots.
Massive inflatable breasts, provided by Genentech, housed an educational exhibit that showed the anatomy of the breast and what breast cancer looks like.
The event kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, “for the 31 days of BCAM, pink ribbons appear as the impact of breast cancer is brought to the forefront of national conversation. But we know that to help those facing breast cancer, awareness alone isn’t enough. This October, get involved. Get screened. Make a donation. Take action. Make this BCAM about more than awareness.”
H4TG, a local nonprofit, has a mission to improve the lives of women under 51 years of age who are affected by breast cancer. It provides services through education, social connections, and social-emotional support. These services are available at no cost to those they serve.
The organization’s annual signature event, The Pink Carpet Gala, welcomes all supporters, members, and friends tied to the mission of supporting young women affected by breast cancer. The Oct. 27 in-person event is currently sold out, however, virtual tickets are still for sale.
Several ‘Beyond the Pink’ local fundraising events that support young women with breast cancer will take place around the community. Check the H4TG event calendar for more information.
Breast health can affect all ages. As October is a month of awareness, Riley says, “We want to encourage everyone to be proactive about their health. Take that step, if you are eligible to get a mammogram. If you are not, learn about your family history. Talk to your OBGYN or primary care physician about clinical breast exams. Encourage your loved ones to do the same.”
For donations, support or additional information, visit the H4TG webpage.
