The Hope Center, Redmond Regional Medical Center and Polk Medical Center Seeking Breast Cancer Survivor Stories for 7th Annual “Surviving to Share” Program

August 11, 2009 – Breast Cancer Survivors are once again invited to share their courageous stories of survival and hope in the seventh annual Surviving to Share contest. 

“Redmond Regional Medical Center began this program with the intent to encourage survivors to share their stories of hope and inspiration with others,” said Wanda Whitten, Director of Community Relations for Redmond Regional Medical Center.  “The seventh annual Surviving to Share will continue to do so but on a broader scale.  We are excited to have The Hope Center, a service of Cartersville Medical Center, and Polk Medical Center joining us again as sponsors.  We look forward to this Northwest Georgia community partnership. With the help of local sponsors, the partner hospitals can bring a greater awareness of the importance of annual exams and monthly breast exams.    

“The Hope Center and Cartersville Medical Center feel that the Surviving to Share program is a vital part of our effort to help educate the community on the importance of cancer screenings, while at the same time allowing those who have breast cancer to express their experience and emotions as well as letting people know you can beat this and these women are evidence of that truth,” stated Jennifer A. Wiggins, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for The Hope Center and Cartersville Medical Center. 

“Polk Medical Center is also proud to be actively involved in this wonderful program,” according to Kim Scoggins, Polk Administrator.  “It focuses attention on positive stories people have to share regarding breast cancer.”

The survivor’s stories of hope and inspiration have and will continue to impact the lives of women throughout Northwest Georgia.  Breast cancer survivors in Northwest Georgia are encouraged to write their story, including when they were diagnosed, their treatment timeline, support system, how they feel today, and any advice and encouragement they can offer to others facing the same battle.  Participants are also asked to submit a candid photo of themselves and their families.  Three winners and three honorable mentions will be selected.  Winners and a guest will receive a two night getaway package to the historic Barnsley Gardens in Adairsville, Georgia. 

The deadline to enter is September 21.  Winners will be announced at the Surviving to Share Banquet at the Coosa Country Club on Thursday, October 15 that will honor all participants.  Those who entered their stories last year, but were not chosen as one of the three winners, are encouraged to enter the contest again this year. 

This event is annually held in October in recognition of breast cancer awareness month.  Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today.  It is seen in the faces of our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends.  Telling your story is important.  If you impact one woman, you have made a difference.   

Entry forms are available at The Hope Center, Cartersville Medical Center, Redmond Regional, Polk Medical Center and online at CartersvilleMedical.com.  For additional information, contact Jennifer A. Wiggins at 770-607-1017 or Lisa Brown at 706-802-3732. 

The Hope Center is a department of Cartersville Medical Center. Cartersville Medical Center is a 112 bed facility that is accredited by The Joint Commission of Healthcare Organizations. For more information about programs and services offered at Cartersville Medical Center, The Hope Center or the Acworth Medical Plaza, call MedLine at 800-242-5662.