The annual Paint the Lake Pink Walk took place for its second fundraiser year in Lake Zurich on Sunday, Oct. 13 at Henry J. Paulus Park.
A blue sky Sunday morning featured outdoor temperatures at nearly 54 degrees with more than 200 participants. The walk began through a ceremonial photo opportunity arch and circled around Lake Zurich along a several-mile route.
The Paint the Lake Pink Walk was presented by My Density Matters, a 501c3 organization with a goal to empower women to understand their breast density and to advocate for thorough breast cancer screenings, according to https://mydensitymatters.org.
Leslie Ferris Yerger of Hawthorn Woods, founder/CEO of My Density Matters, launched My Density Matters more than three years ago. Yerger is among patients who have breast density.
Yerger’s breast cancer was found at stage four and had already metastasized after missed detections over an approximate decade span. Yerger would like, “everybody to just find out their breast density and learn there are additional screening options and advocate for themselves.
“We must advocate for ourselves,” Yerger said. “Additional screening for women with dense breasts does not automatically happen.
“So we have to learn, we have to understand and we have to be our own best advocate in order to get what we need,” Yerger said. “It should happen automatically, that would be great, but it doesn’t, so we must do it on our own.”
Lake Zurich Mayor Tom Poynton attended.
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“It’s important for us to support anything that’s health-related,” Poynton said. “This is a relatively new event in Lake Zurich.
“Who doesn’t support anything that brings more awareness to breast cancer or cancer of any type?” Poynton said.
People of all ages took part in the walk and enjoyed giveaways. Tots in Halloween costumes had the opportunity to trick or treat.
Laura Matuszewski, formerly of Glenview and of the Lake Zurich/Hawthorn Woods areas for 31 years and director of development and public relations for My Density Matters, said, “This year, we wanted to get young families involved in the walk and make it something they could do together to show their support.”
The trick-or-treating element was added this year.
“The weather is usually much warmer than Halloween and kids love wearing their costumes multiple times,” Matuszewski said.
There were stops along the lake where sponsors distributed treats to young walkers. There were ample giveaways too at the pre-party before the walk commenced at 10:30 a.m.
“The importance of our mission is front and center,” Matuszewski said. “The money we raise will go directly to printing educational materials to pass out at community events.
“The funds will allow us to continue educating women on the importance of knowing their breast density, how to find it, and what to do about it once they know,” Matuszewski said. “We also teach women how to advocate for the additional screening they may need.
“Our website, mydensitymatter.org covers additional screening options and offers insights on how to advocate for additional breast cancer screening when necessary,” Matuszewski said.
“We want to make sure women find their cancer at the earliest possible stage when it’s most treatable.
“We envision a world where breast density no longer hinders the early diagnosis of breast cancer,” Matuszewski said.
Participant Rosali Rivas from Round Lake was here to support grandparent Estela from Round Lake.
Darion Woods of South Holland helped to pin the bib on Rivas with the help of Yesenia Rodriguez of Vernon Hills, whose mother is also Estela from Round Lake.
“I think it’s important that we show up for our loved ones and survivors and non-survivors, we cherish their memory,” Woods said.
Tina Bauman of Kildeer, an advanced practice nurse at Advocate Good Shepherd in Barrington, helped to staff a tent that provided amenities and awareness. The hospital offers breast cancer prevention and breast cancer surgery.
“We are very passionate,” Bauman said. “We want to help people reduce the risk of developing cancer.”
Many participants wore pink, including Bonnie Kipperman of Lake Zurich, who had a message for people impacted by cancer.
“Definitely stay strong,” Kipperman said. “Don’t give up.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.