Sampson resident Nettie Pernell firmly believes that hope is on the horizon. As one of the founding members of Sampson County’s chapter of the Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP), she knows that education about breast cancer is needed, and she and her fellow BCCCP members are determined to make sure that hope and survival are central as more and more people, specifically women, are diagnosed with breast cancer.

So, she and her board members are once again holding a rally on Saturday, Oct. 10, to help spread the word about the life-threatening disease.

Pernell explains that the need for more knowledge is great considering the significant number of women (and men) who fall victim to the disease.

“One way or another, we have all be impacted by breast cancer,” said Pernell.

The rally, which will start at the Sampson County Courthouse steps on Saturday has been a tradition for the group for the last 11 years, and she hopes that it continues to be a source of knowledge and hope for everyone.

“We do it because we care,” said Pernell.

Once the group has a presentation at the courthouse steps, the group will then walk, united in their cause, down to First Baptist Church, 900 College St. to continue their rally.

The group wants the women and men who are impacted by this disease to know what resources are available to them, so they always invite vendors to set up booths at the church site. Some of the organizations that will be present at the event will include the American Cancer Society, Family Medical Supply, Liberty Homecare and Hospice, HIV/AIDS Task Force, Department of Aging, Sampson Area Transportation, 3HC and the Sampson Male Mentors.

Pernell notes that there are a small number of males who have been diagnosed with the disease. Therefore, the event is not just for women.

In addition to educating the public on Breast Cancer, another reason for the rally is get encourage women to get mammograms. In fact, the rally will have a mammographer from Sampson Regional Medical Center who will be available to answer questions. The local BCCCP chapter has also helped to guarantee that several women in low-income families get mammograms, even if they can’t pay for them.

According to Pernell, the group helped fund 15 additional mammograms last year.

The group will also start a pink ribbon campaign this month by giving out these ribbons to churches and anyone looking to support their cause.

Those attending will also receive a “healthy lunch” that will include a turkey sub, bag of chips and a cookie with a bottle of water. Also, attendees may enter into a raffle to win a door prize as well.

For those going to the rally, the event will begin at the courthouse at 9:30 a.m. and will continue to the First Baptist Church, 900 College St.. Those interested may also call the Sampson County Health Department at 592-1131, if they have questions prior to the event.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.