LIHU‘E — County Department of Water personnel have been wearing pink on Fridays since the start of October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Beyond the Friday wearing of pink, the DOW extended its gesture to its community outreach, “Imagine a Day Without Water” where DOW volunteers fashioned pink ribbon bows to adorn staff cars at the drive-thru distribution of free water-education activity kits.
“We do it to support,” said Edie Ignacio Neumiller, who happened to be on rotation for working at the DOW office Friday. “One of our people is a survivor. Wearing pink is not just because the Committee on the Status of Women invited us to, it’s to support our survivor.”
The Kaua‘i County Committee on the Status of Women headlined the invitation for people to wear pink by having the Historic County Building illuminated in pink lights for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
In years prior to COVID-19, the Kaua‘i County Committee on the Status of Women hosted an awareness walk. This year, because of the pandemic, the Historic County Building is lit in pink with signs and banners support the nighttime illumination, and people’s personal demonstrations of wearing pink are signs of support during the restrictive conditions for the health and safety of everyone.
“Building an awareness is important, but taking action is essential,” said Regina Carvalho, KCCSW vice chair. “Breast cancer affects us all — primarily in women, and rare in men — but it does happen. Do your part. Discuss this in your family. Do monthly self-breast exams, as early detection of breast cancer saves lives.”
The KCCSW encourages the public to wear pink throughout the month of October to show support for those affected by breast cancer and to remind women of the importance of early detection. The KCCSW also encourages regular mammograms.
According to the American Cancer Society, mammograms are the best screening tool currently available to find breast cancer early when it may be easier to treat.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
