Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women and, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and across the nation communities are taking part in activities that raise awareness of breast cancer and in many cases, raise funds to expand research, purchase expensive equipment, provide mammograms and screenings, and assist patients with care after their diagnosis.

Locally, the 14th annual Ethel Precht Breast Cancer Walk and Survivor Day will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Lake Charles Civic Center. Registration opens at 7 a.m.; the walk starts at 8:30 a.m.

“It has become known as one of the largest attended walks in Southwest Louisiana,” said Lisa Guerrero, foundation board member. “We’re expecting close to 4,000 participants this year.”

The annual event is more than a walk.

The family-friendly festivities include a car and bike show, games and activities for children and a gumbo cookoff.

Guerrero said the purpose of the event is to celebrate survivors, and so far the Ethel Precht Foundation has provided financial support to nearly 700 survivors in Calcasieu and Cameron parishes.

This year, the foundation expects to hit the $500,000 fundraising level in local survivor monetary support. The assistance is dedicated for such things as wigs, prosthesis, payment of medical bills and transportation to and from cancer treatment centers, Guerrero said.

Precht founded the fundraising run/walk in the mid-2000s after attending a national walk. The event steadily grew in popularity and will mark its 14th year this weekend.

Precht died last year of pancreatic cancer after surviving breast cancer for 31 years, but her impact on Southwest Louisiana remains.

We’ve asked before and we’re asking again, please join us in raising awareness and funds to continue this much needed work.