Susan G. Komen Texarkana awarded $187,500 in grants at its "Tickled Pink: A Celebration of Survivors" Thursday at the Texarkana Convention Center.
The grants were awarded to programs focused on breast health and education and the money was raised at the 2016 Race for the Cure.
"We want to celebrate our survivors," Executive Director Amber Lawrence said as she asked the breast cancer survivors in the room to stand to a round of applause. "We are so honored to have you here."
Entertainment was provided by cancer survivors who modeled the latest fashions. Stories about the models were shared as they walked the runway.
Mary Katherine Webber and Kathi Couch emceed the event.
Firefighters from Texarkana, Ark., and Texarkana, Texas, Fire Departments volunteered their services at the event by passing out programs.
The 19th annual Texarkana Race for the Cure will be Oct.21.
Grants were awarded to the following programs:
- CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System Breast and Cervical Care Outreach, $101,000
- Wadley Regional Medican Center Auxiliary, $73,500
- Genesis Primecare Breast Screening Project, $10,000
- Little River Memorial Hospital Hope for Tomorrow, $3,000
All women are at risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer is most common in women older than 40, but younger women can also develop the disease. Men can also get breast cancer, but it is 100 times more common in women.
To learn more about free or low-cost options in this area, call Komen at 877-465-6636.