Cancer

Supporters Gather to Form Pink ‘Ribbon of Hope’

Part of Spectrum Health Breast Cancer Awareness Event

How many people – and pink umbrellas – does it take to form a “ribbon of hope,” demonstrating support for breast cancer research and treatment? In Grand Rapids, Michigan – approximately 2,000.

PHOTOS AVAILABLE HERE and “Breast Cancer By The Numbers” Infographic

The visual spectacle was part of two Spectrum Health sponsored events to raise awareness about breast cancer, particularly the role genetics plays.

The first event featured Susan Ford Bales, daughter of the late Betty Ford and President Gerald R. Ford, and several medical experts from Spectrum Health who spoke to almost 300 guests at the “Candid Conversations” seminar. Patients throughout West Michigan receive screenings through Spectrum Health Betty Ford Breast Care Services, named after Betty Ford, a breast cancer awareness advocate and pioneer.

“When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, my mother decided to take a courageous and controversial step to tell the world about her disease,” said Bales. “The time when women hid their disease had to stop. She changed the world of women’s health by making it acceptable to talk openly about cancer.”

The event was originally scheduled to be held inside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, which is also the burial site for both the late President and Mrs. Ford. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, it was moved across the Grand River to DeVos Place.

The seminar also featured:
• Judy Smith, MD, Department Chief of Oncology, Spectrum Health
• Judy Hiemenga, MD, Spectrum Health Cancer Genetics Program
• Thomas Getz, MD, Medical Director, Spectrum Health Betty Ford Breast Care Services
• Marianne Melnik, MD, FACS, Co-Director, Spectrum Health Breast Care Program

After the seminar, participants crossed back over the river to Ah-Nab-Awen Park in front of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. There, Bales signaled 2,000 breast cancer survivors, family members, friends and supporters to open up pink umbrellas to make a giant breast cancer “Ribbon of Hope.”

“Just like an umbrella provides protection from the elements, Spectrum Health’s Betty Ford Breast Care Services can provide shelter and hope for those fighting breast cancer,” said Dr. Smith, explaining the symbolism. “Betty Ford made it possible to hold both public and candid conversation about cancer and we are very grateful.”

Spectrum Health Betty Ford Breast Care Services honors the legacy of First Lady Betty Ford, who used her platform to speak openly and honestly about her breast cancer diagnosis, inspiring millions of women to take charge of their breast health and get a mammogram. Betty Ford Breast Care Services screens patients at 10 locations in Michigan. The criteria for these sites is highly stringent to ensure that patients receive high-quality screening and diagnostic testing at every location.

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system, based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, which is comprised of 11 hospitals including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; 173 ambulatory and service sites; 960 advanced practice providers and employed physicians including members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group and West Michigan Heart physician groups; and Priority Health, a health plan. Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer with 20,800 employees. The organization provided $250 million in community benefit during its 2013 fiscal year. spectrumhealth.org

PHOTO CAPTION:
Nearly 2000 people formed a live Ribbon of Hope outside the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Mich. Spectrum Health’s Ribbon of Hope | Photo by EAIAerial.com