WEIRTON - Athena's Closet is gaining support from the community as the organization prepares for the annual Breast Cancer Awareness walk.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this year C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc., Athena's Closet and the West Virginia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program have partnered to sponsor "Paint the Downtown Pink" during the month of October.
An awareness walk is scheduled for Oct. 4 and begins at C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc.'s parking lot, 3136 West St. with registration beginning at 5 p.m. The walk will conclude with refreshments at Cove Commons.
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The Alpha Tau Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa International Teachers Sorority is supporting the annual breast cancer awareness walk with Athena's Closet, a local organization that raises money and awareness for breast cancer. The event is set for Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. in the C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc. parking lot located at 3136 West St. Pictured from left is Shirley Washam, Donna Bohach, Donna Popovich, Fran Jones, Linda Pauchnik, Jeanne Barrett and Kathy Griffith. -- Angelina Dickson
Although the three organizations are joining their efforts for the awareness walk, Patti Blanc of Athena's Closet said the funds raised through Athena's Closet will stay with the organization to benefit local cancer patients. Blanc said she is glad to see support for the event early on because the walk is such a great cause. She said Athena's Closet was formed to honor Athena Ameredes, who died following a long bout with cancer.
The group lends financial assistance to cancer patients for items not ordinarily covered under medical insurance, such as wigs, travel expenses and some pharmacy and medical bills.
"We want to continue to raise money and awareness while keeping the funds locally," said Blanc. "Our organization has been raising money for years and with a partner like C.H.A.N.G.E. Inc., we are hoping to get a large turnout in support of this great cause so sign up and get ready for the walk."
During the campaign, local businesses are being asked to place pink bows and posters, which are available for free, in their storefronts and add any additional pink decor in order to "Paint the Town Pink."
Door prizes for the best decorated will be judged by Mayor George Kondik.
Those who are unable to participate but would like to make a donation to the charity can make checks payable to Athena's Closet and mail to Athena's Closet, P.O. Box 3149, Weirton, WV 26062.
For information contact Blanc at (304) 723-2984.
(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)
