Last Friday, October 20, 2017, Union Countians dressed in pink to show support and raise awareness for breast cancer. Melanie Dykes, organizer of Union County's Pink Out, got involved when the Susan G Komen organization approached her in 2014 looking to distribute information about breast cancer. Melanie says, “According to statistics, Union County is one of four counties across the state that has a high rate of late stage breast cancer diagnoses.” Melanie has been working with a grant to educate and encourage women to get mammograms. The money provides the materials and lunches to get people to come in and learn how the Komen foundation can help them. Melanie has held events all over the county at local churches and the Senior center until her grant ended in April of 2017. She continues handing out information and will do so until she runs out of materials. “[It's] because I do know so many personally who have had breast cancer, who have it. Because I work with so many ladies on main street that have had it.”

Local businesses also joined the “pink out” this year. Clayton Homes and the employees at surrounding plants purchased pink hardhats to show their support for breast cancer awareness. Each hardhat was sold for $10 with corporate matching dollar for dollar what the employees spent. In total, Clayton Homes raised $5,000 for Susan G Komen breast cancer awareness. With Mayor Mike Williams and Melanie Dykes accepting the check on behalf of the Komen foundation. “Were just excited to do this,” said Bill Monroe, an employee for Clayton Homes. The employees are one hundred percent behind this. In addition to raising money for breast cancer awareness, Clayton Homes celebrated their 75,000th home with Buddies Bar-B-Q catering the celebration.

Librarian, Chantay Collins, a supporter of the pink out, hosted Douglas Cherokee Head Start at the Maynardville Library highlighting the different agencies available to Union County parents. And yes, Chantay, as well as, the crew at the library and many of those attending was wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness. Chantay who has had family affected by breast cancer was “pinking out” for them in memory and support. “We are all pinking out today for breast cancer awareness because tomorrow is the run in Knoxville for breast cancer awareness. And we have a lot of people that are cancer survivors and people that we have lost” said Chantay.

For those wanting to help Melanie Dykes support breast cancer awareness in Union County, please contact her at the Union County Senior Citizens Center at (865) 992-3292.