Expo supports health, family

Photo By Cpl. Crystal Druery | Participants walk around Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Oct. 22 for the Make a Difference Day 2011 Walk and Wellness Expo at the MCRD Exchange Mall. The event was held to raise awareness on breast cancer and domestic violence. The mile-and-a-half walk was marked with signs that contained statistics on the two causes. "The facts help remind the participants why they're here," said Andrea Callahan, Marine Corps Community Services health promotions coordinator. "The more information they have, the better they will be to look after their families."  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

10.22.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Crystal Druery 

Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego     

SAN DIEGO - Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego was painted pink Oct. 22 as Marine Corps Community Services hosted Make a Difference Day 2011 Walk and Wellness Expo at the MCRD Exchange Mall to raise awareness of breast cancer and domestic violence.

This is the seventh year the depot hosted Make a Difference Day, where participants take a walk around the depot and learn more about the two issues through educational booths and services.

“I think the key to awareness is by educating people,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel D. Yoo, MCRD commanding general. “These events are important because such a large population is affected by [breast cancer and domestic violence].”

Yoo expressed his empathy for those affected by the two issues and thanked participants for coming out before blowing a horn, kicking off the mile-and-a-half walk around the depot.

As Yoo blew the horn, children took off running. Participants walked along the route which was lined with signs providing facts and statistics on breast cancer and domestic violence.

“The facts help remind the participants why they’re here,” said Andrea Callahan, MCCS health promotions coordinator. “The more information they have, the better they will be to look after their families.”

After the walk, participants went from booth-to-booth, collecting information they may not have known before.

“If they came out for breast cancer they might learn stuff about domestic violence they didn’t realize and vice-versa,” said Callahan, the event organizer who helped arrange this year’s event to make a difference in people’s lives.

Some booths offered free services to help people relax such as a dog therapy booth. Shirley Colman, founder of Therapy Dog Teams, said her booth was meant to inform people about dog therapy and how dogs can help calm and relax people by allowing them to pet the dogs and play with them.

“There’s almost nothing that petting a dog can’t make you feel better about,” said Colman. “It might not cure you, but it will make you feel better.”

This proved to be true, as many people were captivated by the array of dogs dressed in pink and greeted guest with their playful demeanor. Yoo took advantage of the dogs’ presence and spent a few minutes petting the dogs as well.

“This was my second event like this, but I enjoyed this one more because it had more resources available,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelayana Henry, hospital corpsman, Branch Medical Clinic MCRD. “This event helped get the word out to people that these issues are actually going on.”

A local hairstylist volunteered her services for participants who wanted to cut their hair and donate it to people suffering from cancer.

“I gave my hair because I’m able to grow mine while others aren’t [able to] and it just felt like the right thing to do,” said AnnaLisa Hansing, a U.S. Navy spouse. “Better to give it to someone that can use it.”

Hansing felt being able to give hair was a healing process for those affected by the disease. This opportunity helped participants feel like they could contribute to those suffering from cancer, she said.

“We were trying to find a new way for people to give back and hair donations seemed like a fun way to support the cause,” said Callahan.

Children visited the art therapy booth and put together an art project of people they knew affected by the two issues. Their artwork was then put into a collage full of all the projects, giving the children a way contribute.

The event afforded many people the opportunity to help raise awareness, but also offered the chance for those who’ve suffered from domestic violence or breast cancer to share their experience with people who’ve been through the same struggles.

“This is definitely a great way for people to realize they’re not alone,” said Callahan.

The event provided a safe haven and helped many people feel good, open up with others and raise awareness for two important issues. With the success of the 2011 Make a Difference Day, Yoo said he is excited for next year’s event and is hoping to include a run as well.

• Date Taken: 10.22.2011
• Date Posted: 10.31.2011 17:36
• Story ID: 79346
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US