Photo By Spc. Jennifer Brady | Army Col. Lillian A. Dixon, advisor, United States Forces - Iraq, Iraq Training and...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD - In the desert where color seems to be absent except for the haze of brown that lingers in the air from the surrounding sand, a refreshing shade of pink was the color of the evening Oct. 29 at Forward Operating Base Union III during the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" event.
The event was organized by the FOB Union III Desert Divas. The Divas are a group of women, service members and civilians, who host events for charitable causes. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and it seemed fitting to host a walk to support the cause and raise awareness about breast cancer.
“This started off with just 20 women, and the Divas, who wanted to walk together to make a difference,” said Army Col. Lillian A. Dixon, advisor, United States Forces Iraq, Iraq Training and Advisory Mission, Ministry of Defense. “Now we have about 200 people here to support the cause.”
Service members and civilians decked out in pink, walked and proved that the Divas had made that difference. Advocates for the cause came from the U.S. Embassy and Forward Operating Base Prosperity in Baghdad to show their support.
“I’m not surprised to see so many soldiers out here,” said Dixon, a Virginia native, about the number of Army soldiers in attendance. “It’s what soldiers do, they support and help people who can’t help themselves.”
The Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" series is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer ever created. The program focuses on celebrating survivors, educating people about breast cancer, and, most importantly, finding a cure.
The Divas wanted to raise awareness and honor the men and women who have battled this disease. They provided takeaways for supporters to wear for the walk, to include pink T-shirts and stickers with pink ribbons, the foundation’s trademark. Participants gathered near a T-Wall displaying a mural, painted by Army Col. Christine A. Fiala, director, USF-I, English Language Training Program, with Komen’s famous pink ribbons. The starting line was complete with motivating music and a pink podium where Dixon gave her opening speech before the walk.
“Let’s walk together to support this cause, in memory of those we lost to this disease and in celebration of those who have survived it,” said Dixon in her opening remarks before the walk.
At the finish line, participants enjoyed cake decorated with breast cancer awareness ribbons and were invited to sign the mural on the T-Wall. Each participant took their turn and wrote personal messages to friends or family on the wall, displaying messages of encouragement and love to those who had passed away or survived breast cancer.
“At first, I got involved because it’s a cause my daughter is passionate about, and I think we all know somebody who has the disease, survived the disease or lost someone because of it. Now, I feel it’s our responsibility to pitch in and do what we can to help,” said Dixon.
To learn more about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation, get involved or educate yourself on breast cancer go to www.komen.org or call 1-877-465-6636.
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.02.2010 10:41 |
| Story ID: | 59281 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 585 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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