By Kerri Robins
Communities in central Alberta are limbering up, lacing up their shoes and getting set to Run Around The Zone.
Spearheaded by the David Thompson Health Trust, Run Around The Zone is a series of runs and walks across central Alberta aimed at raising both fitness and health care funds.
The Breast Intentions 5 km/10 km walk or run in Springbrook community near Red Deer in October 2012 raised $15,800 toward the purchase of an Intra-Operative Breast Ultrasound.
Alanna Dukes, registered nurse with the Clinical Breast Health Program for Alberta Health Services (AHS) in central Alberta, is eager for the purchase of the ultrasound machine.
“The machine is on order and will make a great contribution to women’s health care,” says Dukes, explaining the machine is used in breast cancer surgeries.
“Once the surgeon makes an incision in the breast, the machine is used to take an image of the breast tissue, which then guides the surgeon. This increases the chances of removing all the cancer in one surgery.”
The ultrasound machine promises to keep women ahead of the race against cancer with less hospital stays and less time spent in surgical recoveries.
“We’re looking at enhancing health care over the entire central zone of Alberta and the communities are really stepping up with support,” says Corrie Fortner, executive director for the David Thompson Health Trust.
Rimbey is planning a run/walk for Mother’s Day, May 12, and funds raised will be allocated to local priority health care needs determined by Rimbey Health Services Donations Committee.
Teri Clay, one of the event organizers of the Breast Intentions walk or run, got involved because she liked the idea that all funds raised were being put directly back into the community.
“Not only was it a great experience helping organize this event for such a good cause, it’s nice knowing you’re supporting local health care,” says Clay.
And that has everyone smiling.
“This summer will be fun and Run Around The Zone definitely encourages healthy lifestyle choices — not to mention we all get to share in making a big difference to local health care,” says Fortner.
For more information, visit www.davidthompsonhealthtrust.com or www.coronationhealthfoundation.com. For information on the Clinical Breast Health Program, call 403.314.6056.