Breast Cancer Walkathon inspires residents of CCWF

Oct. 18 was a beautiful day for a walk! What is usually a plain, ordinary dirt track was altered into an expressive space that gave walking with a friend a new meaning.

It was on this morning that the Comfort Care team hosted its second annual Breast Cancer Walkathon in Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), with additional support from Pollen Initiative and CCWF Paper Trail. The annual event promotes early detection and prevention of breast cancer.

The CCWF main yard gym became a space for celebration with a variety of pink balloons adorning posters, and a large balloon arch above the gym’s entrance. The event was scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accommodate residents from all three yards. Approximately 200 people attended.

Formerly incarcerated people and other outside volunteers were eager to show their support.

The walkathon was Cynthia Marquez’s first time back at CCWF since she paroled three years ago. The return, she said, is poignant. “I came back to support my sisters. It’s bittersweet because I was sad. I’m happy now, of course, but the sadness is going to come back when I have to go because I’m leaving them behind.”

Jennifer Barrela is similarly formerly incarcerated and returned to CCWF because of the personal impact breast cancer has had on her family.

“My stepmom is a breast cancer survivor,” she said. “I’m glad they’re doing this event for the women because breast cancer is so prevalent in here. We’re happy to help!”

The help was greatly appreciated and needed. The three yards were divided into two sessions with the first session of participants consisting of Facility C, along with two housing units from Facility B and the Skilled Nursing Facility. As participants made their way through the gym to the outside dirt track, they were able to grab a refreshment and snacks.

Numerous residents lined up to write the names of the people they were honoring onto paper placards. Resident Shachie Day expressed how much she was enjoying the beautiful weather, saying, “I got activated in the festivities, got my face painted, and was able to honor my friends Goldie and Shante.”

Resident Kelly Blackwell expressed much of the same sentiment. “This is my first-time experience to commemorate my little cousin, Tiffany, who died of stage 4 cancer at the age of 35,” she said.

Residents diagnosed with breast cancer who are currently undergoing chemo and radiation therapy were also in attendance.

“I feel good to be at this Walkathon. I feel welcomed,” said resident Melissa Sheppard. “This event was important because it gave me the opportunity to give back, and I was able to support others as well as be supported.”

After the Walkathon, face painting, and taking pictures, everyone was directed inside the gym by the emcee and Comfort Care volunteer, Pearl Coleman, for the second part of the festivities. The list of speakers included Pollen Initiative Executive Director Jesse Vasquez, Comfort Care volunteers and breast cancer survivors Erica Olson and Joanna Gomez, palliative care nurse A. Perez, Marilyn Orden of Sisterhood of Survivors, and Dolores Canales, an advocate and outside volunteer.

The audience was alive, cheering on those on stage sharing their testimonies and praising their perseverance. After the ceremony, participants exited the gym, collecting their final gifts and surprises in their “swag bag.”

As Comfort Care sponsor Joanna Warren watched the departing crowd, she said, “It was an easy yes to be a sponsor … and take on all the challenges that come along with it.”

A major challenge occurred approximately at noon. The second session of participants included Facility D along with the other two remaining units on Facility B, but the event ended early due to multiple alarms on Facility D.

According to Paper Trail editor-in-chief and event co-sponsor Amber Bray, because of the teams’ and sponsors’ quick thinking and adaptability, those who received a pass but were unable to attend were still delivered swag bags.

Despite the unexpected early ending, event sponsors and volunteers were proud of the result. “I’m so grateful — this has turned out better than I expected,” Comfort Care team member and event volunteer Noriko Aoyama said. “I thought I was helping the group, but I’m actually learning from them. I’m gaining something through their passion. They’re hungry to learn and hungry to help their peers.”