- Last Updated on Monday, 30 November 2015 17:52
The 2015 Monongahela Valley Hospital/Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk marks 12 years of growth and success.
The committee of 20 dedicated community members worked together to create an event that attracted more than 450 participants and raised $25,000. The proceeds from the Walk will be used to support the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer in the community at Monongahela Valley Hospital.
“It was a celebratory atmosphere,” said Melissa Marion, MVH’s director of Fund Development. “It was wonderful to see so many breast cancer survivors participating as well as teams made up of families, friends and co-workers whose lives were touched by breast cancer.”
Walkers were asked to make a minimum donation of $10 each to participate and many collected donations from family, friends and neighbors. Breast cancer survivors were honored before the walk began with a group photo and a celebratory wave of Pink Power Towels. A moment of silence was also observed to remember those affected by breast cancer and those who lost their battles with breast cancer. Once the walk began, McKean and Fallowfield avenues in Charleroi were filled with a sea of pink. People pushed babies in strollers and included their pets on leashes.
Major event sponsors included: MarBill Diamonds & Jewelry, The Valley Independent, Allenport Rod & Gun Club, Five Star Drywall, Inc., Iron Order Motorcycle Club — Hot Metal Chapter, and the Monessen/Rostraver Rotary.
The walk was created to honor the memory of Lois Orange Ducoeur, who lost her battle with cancer in 1965 at age 54. The Ducoeur family operated Orange’s Gift store and Ducoeur Furniture Store in Charleroi for 118 years.