The 12th annual Paint the Town Pink and H.O.P.E. for a Day walk was held Saturday, and it was as festive as ever. The event was held at Lafayette Square, and the space was packed with vendors giving out information on women’s health. About 70 people took part in the 10-mile walk around downtown LaGrange.

H.O.P.E. for a Day was started to financially support the women of LaGrange who were diagnosed with breast cancer as well as fund mammograms and raise awareness in the community.   Mammogram vouchers and free breast exams were given at the event.

At the end of the walk, participants and volunteers formed a tunnel for survivors to walk through while onlookers cheered them on. The event meant a lot to survivors, some who said they were glad for an event like this to show support.

The event demonstrates the community’s spirit and support. Hundreds of people were at the square, supporting family and friends, giving information for women to take charge of their health and to raise awareness. When the survivors walked through the tunnel a lot of family and friends walked up to the end to take photos of their loved ones.

As attendees mentioned, everyone knows someone or of someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

We all have a connection to someone who had breast cancer, and Saturday’s event reminds the community of how common it is. With the event at the center of downtown, it’s hard to miss when driving through the city.

October is breast cancer awareness month, and having Paint the Town Pink and H.O.P.E. for a Day on the last Saturday of September kicks off raising awareness and support of patients.

This event localizes a worldwide health issue, but also puts the funding and the support back in the community.