Historic Dodgertown was in the pink last Tuesday as breast cancer survivors and supporters of the American Cancer Society gathered to form a human pink ribbon on the outfield of Holman Stadium as a way to encourage early registration for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
This year’s walk will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Riverside Park in Vero Beach, marking a return to Vero after being held for many years in Sebastian.
Historic Dodgertown Vice President Brady Ballard has assumed the role of MSABC event chairman. He is assisted on the executive planning committee by Dr. Nancy Baker, Primary Care of the Treasure Coast, and Jeremy Lloyd, General Manager, Perkins Medical Supply. Indian River Medical Center is the event’s Pink Premier sponsor.
Ballard had been involved with MSABC walks at Jackie Robinson Ball Park when he was employed as General Manager of the Daytona Cubs. He also has a personal connection to the disease.
“In the same week that I was asked to chair this, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Ballard, adding that his late grandmother had been diagnosed with cancer three times. “It’s very strong in my mom’s side. And my college baseball coach at University of Illinois had breast cancer.”
That experience underscored that while not as prevalent, breast cancer can affect men as well as women. Dodgertown has already established a team for MSABC and has a donation jar for contributions at the hotel’s front desk.
“We’re serving in whatever way shape or form to promote the event,” said Ballard. “For Historic Dodgertown, it’s another way to re-engage ourselves in charitable endeavors and to continue to be part of this wonderful community.”
Thousands walk each year, individually and in teams, to highlight breast cancer prevention and awareness and raise funds for research and patient services. And while October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tuesday’s show of support was a way to encourage early registration so that people have time to build their relationships through social media and personal contacts.
“We’re really looking for the community here in Vero to get their businesses and friends involved; to create a team and walk with us on Oct. 17 to help raise awareness,” said Jessica Francis, Team Development chair.
“We hope for people to register early for the event and to get survivors registered so they can be invited to our survivor reception,” said Michelle Oesterle, Community Manager for MSABC.
Historic Dodgertown will also be the site for an invitational MSABC Kickoff on Aug. 25 for current and prospective team leaders. To receive an invitation, contact Oesterle at 321-253-0361, ext. 5759.
To register for the walk, visit www.makingstrideswalk.org/indianriver.