Andrea Ciccocioppo | The Sentinel

A walk to promote breast cancer awareness will be held Oct. 20 at Green Ridge Village. "It's something we really wanted to do," said Darlene Hess of Green Ridge Village about the second annual event.

Last year's event drew only 11 walkers, "but we earned $1,000," Hess said. She expects more participants this year. "We're hoping to have a lot more," she said.

Walkers need not be residents of the retirement community and though participants are asked to complete sponsor sheets, there is not a set amount of money they have to earn.

"If you can't earn money, just come and walk with us," Hess said.

Hess has sponsor sheets for those who want to raise money for breast cancer research. They may be obtained by calling her at 776-8247 or 776-8200.

The event, co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, will begin at 9 a.m. at the Swaim Center and will include teams from Carlisle Regional Medical Center, Presbyterian Homes Corporate Office, Odyssey HealthCare and Green Ridge Village. There will be one-, two- and five-mile routes available to all participants.

"We are thrilled that the folks at Green Ridge Village have teamed up once again in support of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition and the women that we serve across the state," said Pat Halpin-Murphy, president and founder of the PBCC. "Thanks to their fund-raising efforts, we will be able to continue to spread the message of breast cancer awareness."

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The PBCC will be at the event with an information table including materials on various programs, outreach, and advocacy efforts on behalf of breast cancer survivors and their families throughout Pennsylvania, in addition to a breast cancer survivor wall.

A light lunch will be served at 11 a.m. Proceeds from the event will go to the PBCC.

"For their grass roots fund-raising efforts, Green Ridge Village will once again receive the designation of a PBCC Grassroots Partner. Grassroots Partners are community organizations, individuals, or corporations that plan events to raise funds for the PBCC.

The coalition represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy and outreach initiatives. The PBCC is a statewide non-profit organization.

Hess encourages everyone to join the walk.

"It's a beautiful, rural setting and we can walk around here without worrying about traffic or getting lost," she said. "It's peaceful and quiet."