Mission Pink 5K: Raising funds for breast cancer screenings

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Mission Regional Medical Center is hosting its annual Mission Pink 5K on Saturday, Oct. 11, to raise funds for uninsured women in the Rio Grande Valley to receive free mammograms.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, which affects one in eight women in the U.S., and to encourage self-examination and regular screenings. The event also features survivor testimonials and a booth for survivors, emphasizing community support and empowerment.

Kathleen Avila and Priscilla Gabrielle Duran from Mission Regional Medical Center spoke about this event.

"What we're seeing now across our hospital systems, and even in the Valley, is happening to younger and younger women. We want to raise awareness and continue the awareness to check self-examination, if there's something wrong, if you feel a lump, if you are due, if you're over 40, get those screenings so that you can be ahead of it. Prevention is the best. It's the best detection and it'll save your life. This is an awareness for all women to not be afraid, to check yourself, and get those exams. Anybody who doesn't have the means or funding to do that, they can contact us at Mission Regional Medical Center, and we'll provide those free mammograms for those who qualify," said Kathleen Avila, Regional Director, Business Development & Marketing, Prime Health Care.

The event starts at 7 a.m. at Mission Regional Medical Center at 900 S. Bryan Rd.