This weekend will kick off Paceline’s annual PaceDay festivities. Things will take place all weekend from Saturday, October 14 to Sunday, October 15.
Paceline is a movement of communities and organizations striving for the common goal – to cure cancer faster. Throughout the year, Paceline brings together communities and organizations together to put on events to help fund innovative cancer research.
Every October they hold their signature event PaceDay. It is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and funding throughout the year. As well as rallying together to prevent, fight, and do away with cancer. By doing this, the week is centered around a bike ride designed for all.
The actual ride for this year will be held on Sunday, October 15, but again the entire weekend is filled with ways that you can get involved on and off the bike.
Here is a rundown of the events that will be taking place:
The opening ceremony will occur Saturday, October 14 at the Augusta Common from 4pm – 8 pm. That evening will include live music, food trucks, inspirational cancer stories, and celebration among fellow Paceliners.
- 4 PM - Gates Open
- 5:00 PM - Joe Stevenson Band Performs
- 6:15 PM - Welcome & Cancer Stories 6:45 PM - Joe Stevenson Band Performs
- 8:00 PM - Opening Ceremony Ends Rider Check-In Opens Food Trucks Begin Serving
This will also be an opportunity for riders to check-in. If they have fundraised a minimum of $100 by the time of check the rider is eligible to receive a Swag Bag, a meal ticket for themselves, which includes dinner, dessert, and two beverages at the food trucks of their choice, and the ability to fund-share with team members.
Then On Sunday, October 15, the PaceDay Bike ride will kick off. Finishing off with a Finish Line festival.
The goal for this year's PaceDay 2023 is $500,000. The organization has currently raised $250,572. 479 participants are currently signed up, along with 79 teams.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is a disease that affects many women (and some men as well) in the United Sates and throughout the world.
Breast Cancer Facts
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
It's estimated that over 280,000 people will be diagnosed this year with invasive breast cancer in the US, and close to 50,000 new cases will be non-invasive.
Because it affects so many people, breast cancer education and awareness is so important. In fact, breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, aside from skin cancer.
It's important to know what to look for. Whether you have a family history or not, being educated about breast cancer could save your life.
Early detection is key. Breast cancer that's diagnosed at a localized stage (no sign of cancer outside of the breast) has a 5-year survival rate of 99%.
While there's no way to really tell if you will develop breast cancer, it's important to know if you have certain risk factors.
Risk Factors
Cancer grows when a cell's DNA is damaged-- but there's no way of knowing when this occurs or how it becomes damaged.
Be proactive about your health.
If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about when you should start screening for the disease. There are also self-exams you can do every month to help you detect anything unusual.
Warning signs for breast cancer vary from person to person. However, it's important to be aware of any changes in your body and contacting your doctor if you notice any changes. It's better to be overly cautious.
Join in the fight against breast cancer
We are proud to support University Health Care System's 21st Annual Miracle Mile. This raises funds for University Hospital's breast health services and their mobile mammography unit. They provide life-saving screenings for women right here in the Augusta area, regardless of their ability to pay.
Learn more about the event HERE.
To learn more about University's Breast Health Center, visit their website.
