Jefferson County Sheriff's Office employees wore pink and black
t-shirts as Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT

Major Gary McClain

870.541.5351-OFFICE/870.329.5638-CELL

Email: gary.mcclain@jeffcoso.org

SHERIFF'S OFFICE GOES PINK FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: Jefferson County, Arkansas - Monday, October 24, 2022 - The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office displayed its support for the fight against breast cancer by going pink. 

"With such a devastating disease that has claimed the lives of so many, it has always been my endeavor to encourage the open support for the fight against breast cancer," said Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr.  "Each year as a law enforcement agency, we collectively brainstorm new ways that we can display our support for those who lost their battle with cancer, but also survivors that won their battle." 

Organized by Sergeant Kashonda Thompkins, this year's display of support by the sheriff's office involved deputies and support staff wearing custom made black and pink t-shirts with the sheriff's insignia and a pair of handcuffs surrounded by "Cuffin for the Cure", all imprinted in pink on the face of the shirt.

"Nearly everyone in our community has likely been touched by breast cancer in some way, whether personally or through the experience of a family member, friend, or co-worker.  We all thought that continuing our public display of support was important. In many ways, these efforts can be seen as our contribution to the overall awareness for the disease," said Sergeant Thompkins.

Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is considered cancerous if the cells can grow into surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.   

"Causes that bring about support for awareness such as breast cancer is particularly important to me today because my father, retired U.S. Army Veteran, Lafayette Woods, Sr., who also served as the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk from 2008-2020 was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Following his diagnoses, my father made the decision to retire and doctors immediately began aggressively treating him through a series of radiation and chemotherapy.  With treatment being successful, my father's cancer has been in remission since completion of his treatment and he is enjoying retirement," Sheriff Woods said.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual effort to raise awareness of the disease and express the importance of detecting breast cancer early. The American Cancer Society states that only about half of women aged 40 and older report having a mammogram - a screening test to find breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. Regular screening tests reduce your chance of dying from breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a critical healthcare issue. The pocket slider resource guide provides everything victims need to know about the issue from warning signs to early detection methods and many others topics. It is available FREE of charge by visiting our administrative office located at 410 E. Second Avenue in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Stay strong. NEVER give up. No one fights alone!