MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego hosted their sixth annual Wellness Walk and Expo, Oct. 16, as part of their Make a Difference campaign to treat and prevent breast cancer and domestic violence.
More than 400 people massed the starting line waiting for the countdown not only to get a workout on the mile-and-a-half course, but to walk for a cause. Breast cancer affects more than 2.5 million Americans each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Breast cancer and domestic violence affect everyone,” said Col. Carl Huenefeld, Chief of Staff, MCRD and the Western Recruiting Region. “They impact families across America, not just here on depot…We have a responsibility to stand up for ourselves, and be prepared to defend those who cannot or will not defend themselves.”
The event was open to anyone on the depot and their friends and families. In addition to the course, the venue featured a wellness expo immediately following the walk.
The walk itself was led by Marine Corps Community Services SemperFit Health Promotions Coordinator, Andrea Callahan. “At the end of the day, we want to see people enjoying themselves as well as learning,” explains Callahan.
Dozens of inspirational and educational posters lined the walk route. Lining the exchange complex were representatives from various MCCS departments, breast cancer and domestic violence prevention organizations from around the community, as well as several organizations dedicated to personal well being.
“We really saw a lot of participation and reception of the mounds of information that were gathered today,” remarked Callahan.
A key goal for this year’s event was to grab the attention of not only the people directly affected by breast cancer and domestic violence, but families, friends, and spouses.
That’s why Debra Pruitt and the rest of “Angie’s Team” walked the course around the depot.
Pruitt was the best friend of Angie Zych, a former volunteer for the depot, and wife of a former drill instructor with Company C, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2008. She passed away in May of 2010, and left dozens of family members and friends that loved her.
According to Callahan community actions like Walk for Wellness are meant to empower and inspire people affected by these issues, as well as everyone else.
Pruitt and the rest of Angie’s Team participates in five breast cancer awareness events each year.
“Angie was always amazingly happy, never letting her spirit down. We’re just trying to do the same thing,” Pruitt said. Providing hope was exactly what Callahan and Semper Fit were looking for.
“Awareness and empowerment is the main mission, and this event is just a fun way to get there.”