breast cancer

Purdy FBLA raises over $1,500 for local women battling breast cancer
The Purdy High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter raised just over $1,500 in their annual October Pink Out fundraising effort. Funds were raised from T-shirt and cake pop sales, a hat day, and a serving contest at the Pink Out Volleyball Game. The Purdy Community was especially generous, enabling the chapter to help two local women currently battling breast cancer.
Personalized, local, cutting-edge, affordable
cancer diagnosis are where, when and how to receive effective and affordable care. For residents of Barry County, that answer may lay in their own backyard.

A holistic, conventional breast cancer path
“Sugar was fueling my cancer,” said Manna Koopman. Koopman, who lives in Lowell, Ark., and was a 2024 recipient for the Wheaton-based Power of Pink organization, has a family history of breast cancer, leading her to complete genetic testing when she was diagnosed wit breast cancer.

Pink Out celebrates quindecennial
The Hmen Sisters, Olivia and Abi, help decorate the gym in advance of Pink Out 15 at Southwest High School. The event marked the 15th season the Lady Trojans have celebrated breast cancer awareness with a special event.

Year-long journey of hope
Karen Waltrip, of Monett, turned 40 years old in February, but she was just 37 years old when her battle with breast cancer began. Breast cancer diagnoses have decline by 0.3 percent per 100,000 women over the age of 20 between 1999 and 2018, according to an statistical analysis by the U.S.

Navigating the CARE-ousel
Twyla McInturff, former Librarian for the Wheaton School District, is fighting her second battle with breast cancer. Her first diagnosis was in 2010, and her second should have been diagnosed far faster than it was.

Kyle Troutman: Pink inspiration
It’s no secret, October is for pink. For nearly 40 years, October has been dubbed Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the iconic pink ribbon symbolizing one of the most successful awareness campaigns since 1991.

Power of Pink making milestones
Power of Pink is celebrating its 14th year of service to women diagnosed with breast cancer by raising a record $53,442.90 in donations to four Pink Ladies of 2024. Janice McCracken, Power of Pink founder and organizer, said including this year’s recipients, the organization has helped 54 women total and raised $415,265.51.
Meet the Ladies
In 2024, Power of Pink gave out $13,360.73 to four women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Janice McCracken founder and organizer of Power of Pink said 2024, its 14th year, has been the biggest yet.

Record year for Power of Pink
Power of Pink celebrated the largest donation amount in the event’s history on Mother’s Day weekend this year. This year’s banquet and walk brought in a total of $53,442.90, giving four local women over $13,360 each to help during their fight with breast cancer.