It started out as a promise to a dying family member. Today, it’s a source of hope and inspiration for thousands around the world impacted by one illness.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation celebrates its 26th anniversary this year, and its affiliates continue to fulfill the mission one woman set out for her sister.

“Our vision is a world without breast cancer,” said Landi Danko with the Upper Cumberland affiliate, which covers 14 counties in the region.

To help make this vision a reality, the group recently invited churches to join in the fight against breast cancer by participating in its second annual Pink Sunday on October 26. Pink Sunday is a grassroots effort for churches to educate members of their congregations about breast health and to celebrate the lives of those who have fought against breast cancer, noted Danko.

“Too many women in the Upper Cumberland were being diagnosed with late stage breast cancer,” said Danko, who discovered this from a community profile when the affiliation was formed. “That allowed us to know that education was our priority because there were too many women that either didn’t know there were services available for them if they are uninsured or underinsured or have barriers getting to and from (appointments).”

On Monday, Oct. 20, Danko and other members of the affiliate hosted a “pink brunch" for representatives from each of the churches. Not only did they share information about the Komen foundation and the work that the affiliate is doing, but they also provided breast health information packets to assist each individual church in sharing life-saving messages about early detection with its members.

“I am a mammographer and a breast cancer survivor, and I know that early detection can save lives and it does make a difference in the choices and the opportunities that you can get if you are ever diagnosed,” explained Danko.

In addition to Danko, one other breast cancer survivor shared her story at the brunch and explained that those diagnosed with breast cancer do not have to be afraid.

"I'm a six-year survivor at this point, one of two and a half million survivors of breast cancer in this country," said Naiad Kuhlman.

She added, "As you probably know, one in eight women will get breast cancer…but we are getting away from the big 'c' and we are getting away of the idea that it is a death sentence."

Although she estimates 180,000 women and 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, Kuhlman pointed out the death rate from this type of cancer has decreased about 2.2 percent per year since 1990 and now nearly 97 percent of those with breast cancer survive five years or more.

According to Kuhlman, each person can reduce his or her chances of getting breast cancer by taking some preventative measures.

"I can advocate to you that following a proper diet reduces your risk of getting breast cancer…The other thing is exercise," said Kuhlman, who recently became a certified personal trainer.

According to Kuhlman, women in their 50s or 60s and who had gained 22 pounds or more after menopause were about 20 percent more likely to develop breast cancer. Those you shed the pounds cut their risk by 57 percent, she said.

"So those of you who are younger watch it now, and those of us who might be in this age group think about it…because it will reduce your risk," said Kuhlman.

Linda Hasler, a registered dietitian who served as a guest speaker at the brunch, recommended paying attention to serving sizes and eating less processed foods. She mentioned eating 25-30 grams of fiber and 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day could help reduce the risk of the disease.

Rebecca Dennis, director of Laughing Bodies Yoga and Pilates, also suggested doing yoga or pilates as a preventive measure.

"With yoga and pilates, because you are doing challenging poses but at the same time you are breathing slowly and concentrating you are bringing about a state of tranquility and doing something that is also physically commanding," she said. "That's what makes it different from other types of exercise."

For those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are additional measures that can help maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle, such as therapeutic massages.

"Massage can help in so many ways not just for the cancer patient, but also the caregiver because watching someone go through this process and the changes that they go through are immense and take a toll on both the cancer patient and the caregiver," said licensed massage therapist Lavette Scalf, who lost her mother to breast cancer six years ago.

She explained a therapeutic massage can help reduce muscle aches, assist with pain management and increase a feeling of well-being. Plus, it can increase blood and lymph circulation, eliminate toxins from tissues, soften scars and adhesions in the tissues and help reduce swelling.

At the conclusion of the brunch, Gale Compton, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, encouraged all of the churches to commemorate Pink Sunday by sharing this information, wearing pink, decorating the churches in pink flowers and including other activities throughout the day.

'"I have no doubt that being here today and picking up these packets are going to save lives," she said. "That is for me a reason to do this."

For more information, call (931) 528-5878 or www.komenuppercumberland.org. Additional information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health and breast cancer is available at www.komen.org.