MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center employees came together in an effort to raise awareness of breast cancer, remember loved ones lost and encourage those who continue to fight, at the “Hope Lives Here” ceremony.

Situated outside the Todd Cancer Pavilion, where patients are treated for various types of cancer every day, employees wore pink and held photos of lost loved ones as they created a giant breast cancer awareness ribbon.

“About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime,” says Jessica Rayhanabad, M.D., medical director, breast surgery, MemorialCare Breast Center, Long Beach Medical Center. “As a society, we have done well spreading awareness of this disease. At Long Beach Medical Center, our caregivers stand together and collaborate to guide our patients throughout their entire cancer journey.”

One thing that was made clear throughout the day: cancer does not discriminate. Women of all ages should be aware of changes in their bodies at all times and communicate any concerns to their physicians. In the fight against cancer, the importance of early detection cannot be stressed enough.

To conclude the event, employees who are breast cancer survivors were acknowledged and surrounded in support by their fellow employees. Support for breast cancer awareness can extend past October with the Team Spirit Long Beach Cancer 5K on Saturday, Nov. 10. Registration and donation information can be found at memorialcare.org/TeamSpirit.