Bonners Ferry turns  pink for Early Detection Day
October 30, 2012
Story and photos by
Marcia Morman and Mike Weland

A crowd of pink clad men, women and children gathered at Georgia Mae Plaza last Friday, on a chilly fall day to hear Bonners Ferry Mayor Dave Anderson proclaim October 26, 2012, as Breast Cancer Awareness, Early Detection Day.

He read the proclamation;

Bonners Ferry Mayor David Anderson reads the proclamation declaring October 26 as Beast Cancer Awareness Early Detection Day.
"Whereas, the sad fact is that one out of eight women will have breast cancer in their lifetime; and Whereas, early detection of breast cancer is one of the major factors in defeating cancer;

"and Whereas, when breast cancer is detected early there is a marked increase in the chance of treating it successfully;

"and Whereas, mammograms can sometimes detect a cancer two years earlier than physical exams;

"and Whereas, we encourage women in our community to have this extremely important test performed;

"Now, therefore, in recognition of breast cancer awareness, I, David K. Anderson, Mayor of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, do hereby proclaim October 26, 2012 to be “Breast Cancer Awareness, Early Detection Day” in Bonners Ferry and urge all citizens to show support."

He then went on to describe his own personal experience of a loved one stricken with breast cancer. Blanche Studer, a breast cancer survivor, spoke of her ordeal, and how her life had been spared, thanks to early detection.

As people began congregating at the Georgia Mae Plaza to hear the proclamation, Community Hospital public relations coordinator Marcia Morman, who organized and emceed the event, was abustle, getting people in place and taking care of all the last-minute details that always attend such an event.

While she was running hither and yon, Cynthia Horton took het flute onto the gazebo and began playing soft classical music, then put a smile on the faces of those gathered when she segued into a most appropriate number, "The Pink Panther Theme."

The event wasn't limited to the affair downtown, either.

In grocery stores, banks, restaurants and other local businesses, all over town, more than 300 people were participating and wearing the pink Early Detection T-shirt.
Marcia Morman made it all happen, on stage and off. Blanche Studer touched hearts when she recounted her own battle with breast cancer.
Cynthia Horton brought smiles with her rendition of "The Pink Panther Theme. County Commissioner Walt Kirby and his wife, Jane, were among the many in attendance.
In addition to all the distinctive pink T-shirts at the Georgia Mae Plaza, you could see them at businesses all over town, Dr. Hank Willis and his staff wore them, And so did Iron Mike Davis at his gym at Three Mile.
Jill Nystrom and her staff at Jill's Cafe wore them, As did the entire crew at Mountain West Bank.
Folks saw pink when ordering at Papa Byrd's Bistro ... ... As well as while getting groceries at Super 1 Foods, along with other businesses too numerous to visit!