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Community Initiatives for Women, Children and Families

October is a great month to become aware of several issues that impact women, children and families.  Activities are planned throughout Palm Beach County to address Breast Cancer Awareness, Domestic Violence Awareness, Down Syndrome  Awareness and Red Ribbon Week.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month:  The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month program is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about the importance of early detection of breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society/Making Strides Against Breast Cancer events are noncompetitive walks uniting people of all ages with a common goal to fight breast cancer and save lives. The walk will be held in several locations throughout the county including:

• Saturday, October 17 at Okeeheelee Park; West Palm Beach
• Saturday, October 17 at Mizner Park Amphitheater(Boca Raton)

Contact the American Cancer Society for additional information on the events. 

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure South Florida Affiliate has several events during the month including:

• October 21 Team Captain Breakfast; Duffy’s Palm Beach Gardens
• The Road to Success Info Bash; Crowne Plaza Hotel West Palm Beach
• Several shopping events with retailers donating a percentage of proceeds to benefit local and national women’s cancer organization and research centers.

Contact the Susan G. Komen for the Cure at http://www.komensouthflorida.org for additional information on the events. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: The Board of County Commissioners of Palm Beach County has proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  October 1 marks the beginning of this special month to focus on a community-based response to reduce the impact of violence on families. Florida reported more than 113,123 incidents of domestic violence in 2008, including 12 homicides. More than half of the households where domestic violence occurs have a child under the age of 12.  Visit the Palm Beach County Newsroom for additional information on a variety of activities being held throughout the county.

National Down Syndrome Awareness Month:  The Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization is a health and educational resource, family support organization that has served the families of children with Down syndrome in Palm Beach County since 1980.   One special opportunity to learn about Down syndrome and to promote acceptance and inclusion is the Buddy Walk.  The 15th Annual Buddy Walk will be held on Sunday, October 18 at John Prince Park, Lake Worth.  Contact the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization for more information.

Red Ribbon Week:  Red Ribbon is a national symbol of drug prevention.  It began as a grassroots tribute to a fallen DEA hero, Special Agent Enrique Camarena.  By wearing a red ribbon during the last week of October you demonstrate opposition to drugs. 

The Red Ribbon Campaign began in 1988 in Palm Beach County by the Palm Beach County Substance Abuse Coalition.  Citizens were asked to put a red ribbon on their car, mailbox and front door.  For more information, contact the Palm Beach County Substance Abuse Coalition at (561) 844-5952 or www.pbcTeensandDrugs.com. 

Be sure to look into the initiative that interests you or your family and help improve our community!

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