JRMC’s Pink in the Park set for Oct. 17

     UnityPoint Health – Jones Regional Medical Center (JRMC) is hosting its sixth annual Pink in the Park 4K walk/run on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Wapsipinicon State Park in Anamosa.

     This annual event raises money for the hospital’s Imaging Department, where cancer patients go for local treatment, as well as mammograms.

     Due to COVID-19, participants can participate by either completing the walk on their own or with a group of friends any time in the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or by walking on Oct. 17 anytime between 7 and 10 a.m. at Wapsi Park. There will not be an official start time this year to allow for social distancing.

     “We invite people to come and walk as they are able or when it works for them,” urged Sheila Tjaden, JRMC Community Development director.

     Those showing up on the 17^th will need to sign a liability waiver.

     Those leading the charge are JRMC Imaging Department staff members Allison VonSprecken and Cara Milder-Forbes. In fact, JRMC’s annual Rachel Dales Pumpkin Decorating Contest held every October is named after VonSprecken’s sister. Dales, a 2000 Midland High School graduate, lost her battle with breast cancer a year ago.

     “Breast cancer awareness is the driving force and motivation behind it all,” Tjaden said of JRMC’s Pink in the Park and pumpkin contest.

     All of the proceeds raised from both events stay local at JRMC, benefitting the Imaging Department. It helps pay for mammograms and purchase monitors for the 3-D mammography machine. In the past, the funds helped to purchase the 3-D mammography machine.

     “It’s about awareness and education involving mammograms,” said Tjaden. “It’s about early detection and the fight against breast cancer in our community.”

     While the registration deadline for Pink in the Park is passed, you can still donate toward the cause.

     Those taking part in Pink in the Park are encouraged to post their pictures to the JRMC or event Facebook page.

     For more information, visit www.unitypoint.org/anamosa/pink-in-the-park.aspx or “Pink in the Park” on Facebook.