Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition activities range from music and soccer to survivor support, wellness programs and Halloween fundraisers through Oct. 31

WILMINGTON, Del. — Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be halfway over, but the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition has a busy schedule of events, support programs and community fundraisers planned across the state through the end of October.

After major early-month events including Dewey Goes Pink and the coalition’s Monster Mile Walk for a Cause at Dover Motor Speedway, the focus now shifts to a series of smaller community events and programs that illustrate the broader work of the organization.

DBCC’s mission extends beyond October fundraising. The organization works year-round to increase access to breast cancer screening, provide education and patient navigation and offer programs for people diagnosed with breast cancer and their families.

That means the final weeks of October include everything from music and high school soccer to cooking, mental-health discussions, survivor groups and an overnight nature retreat.

Community events keep Delaware pink

Community partners have scheduled a series of fundraisers benefiting DBCC across all three counties.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, Twisted Irons Craft Brewing Co. is scheduled to hold its Drive Out Cancer event in New Castle County.

A day later, Sussex County joins the effort with the first Pink Out Party at Big Chill Surf Cantina on Friday, Oct. 16. Additional Sussex County businesses are supporting the coalition throughout October, including Russo by the Sea Italian Market and the East Sussex Moose Lodge.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, Pink Gumbo 6 will bring music, breast cancer awareness and survivor stories to The Delaware Contemporary on Wilmington’s Riverfront.

The event, presented by 3G Management and Entertainment, runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. and features local performers, vendors and speakers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit DBCC.

The event combines the traditional pink associated with breast cancer awareness with what organizers describe as a “gumbo” of musical styles, cultures and people united around awareness and early detection.

Schools and sports join the campaign

Students are also helping turn October pink.

The Concord High School boys soccer program will hold its fifth annual game supporting DBCC on Tuesday, Oct. 20, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Concord High School, 2501 Ebright Road in Wilmington.

The team has been raising money throughout the season and plans to present its donations during the event.

That same week, golf and social events will continue the fundraising effort in Sussex and New Castle counties.

Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club in Dagsboro is hosting its Go Pink or Go Home activities Oct. 20 and 21, including a Pink Champagne on Ice gathering. DBCC lists the events among its October community partnerships.

DBCC also has a Play Fore Pink golf event scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at Newark Country Club. The event includes golf, lunch, dinner and a silent auction. Individual golf registration was listed as sold out on DBCC’s registration page, although foursomes and dinner-only participation remained available when the page was reviewed.

Newark will remain part of the awareness campaign on Sunday, Oct. 25, when the 10th annual DeerPark Goes Pink 5K is scheduled to raise money for the coalition. DBCC lists the longtime event among its New Castle County community fundraisers.

Support continues beyond fundraising

Some of the coalition’s most significant October activities will happen away from races and fundraising events.

DBCC’s calendar includes regular Breast Cancer Conversation support sessions, Young Survivors in Action programming and My Sister’s Keeper gatherings, along with wellness and nutrition programs.

A Breast Cancer Conversation is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15, followed by a virtual Young Survivors in Action healing meditation Saturday, Oct. 17.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, DBCC will host its Forever Fighters program, a Yes2Health In the Kitchen session and a My Sister’s Keeper gathering in Georgetown.

A Yes2Health Active Cooking cookbook club for breast cancer survivors follows Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Additional Breast Cancer Conversation and My Sister’s Keeper programs are scheduled Oct. 27, with the New Castle My Sister’s Keeper group meeting from 6 to 7 p.m.

Mental health part of survivorship

The coalition also is using Breast Cancer Awareness Month to focus on the emotional effects of cancer.

Its “In the Loop” cancer survivorship and mental health series continues Wednesday, Oct. 28, with a session titled “Stress, Mind, and Body — What do I have in front of me?”

The programming reflects a broader approach to survivorship that extends beyond medical treatment to emotional health, nutrition, social connection and long-term wellness.

Nature retreat closes out the month

Breast cancer survivors will have another opportunity to connect during DBCC’s Nurture with Nature overnight retreat Oct. 30 and 31 at Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin.

The Nurture with Nature program uses outdoor activities as a way for survivors to connect with one another while experiencing hiking, nature and other outdoor activities.

The overnight program includes time at Ashland Nature Center, a morning hike and a session on mindful birding and forest bathing.

The program is one of several DBCC initiatives designed specifically around life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Halloween ends month with a cause

Breast Cancer Awareness Month concludes with a Halloween-themed fundraiser in Smyrna.

The Halloween Hustle 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Smyrna High School.

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and runners, walkers, families and first-time participants are invited. Proceeds from the event benefit DBCC.

The event provides a fitting conclusion to a month in which Delaware communities have supported the organization through races, restaurants, golf tournaments, athletic events, concerts and social gatherings.

Awareness can lead to action

For DBCC, October also provides an opportunity to remind Delawareans that breast cancer awareness should ultimately lead to screening and early detection.

The coalition helps residents schedule mammograms and navigate financial, transportation, insurance and language barriers. Its Women’s Health Screening Program can connect uninsured or underinsured Delawareans with free or reduced-cost screening programs and offers transportation and interpretation assistance when needed.

DBCC also provides breast health education and support resources in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

While October brings additional attention to breast cancer, the coalition’s programs and support services continue throughout the year.

TO GO BOX

• What: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition Breast Cancer Awareness Month events and programs
• When: Events continue through Oct. 31
• Upcoming highlights:
  Oct. 15 — Twisted Irons Drive Out Cancer
  Oct. 16 — Pink Out Party at Big Chill Surf Cantina
  Oct. 17 — Pink Gumbo 6 at The Delaware Contemporary in Wilmington
  Oct. 20 — Concord Raiders Boys Soccer fundraiser
  Oct. 20-21 — Go Pink or Go Home events at Cripple Creek Golf & Country Club
  Oct. 22 — Play Fore Pink at Newark Country Club
  Oct. 25 — 10th annual DeerPark Goes Pink 5K in Newark
  Oct. 27 — Breast Cancer Conversation and My Sister’s Keeper programs
  Oct. 28 — In the Loop cancer survivorship and mental health program
  Oct. 30-31 — Nurture with Nature overnight retreat at Ashland Nature Center
  Oct. 31 — Halloween Hustle 5K at Smyrna High School
• Screening help: Call the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition at 1-888-672-9647 for help scheduling a mammogram or arranging screening-related transportation or interpretation.
• More information: Visit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s website for event registration, support programs, volunteer opportunities and screening resources.

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