Sumner-Bonney Lake School District turns out in pink for colleagues with breast cancer

Community is defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.

At Sumner-Bonney Lake School District’s central office, staff have formed such a group. In solidarity and support of their colleagues going through breast cancer treatment, they decided to participate in MultiCare’s Come Walk With Me breast cancer event.

“What really struck a chord with us is that we are all impacted by breast cancer in such a powerful way,” shares Laurie Dent, PhD, superintendent at Sumner-Bonney Lake School District. “So many of our colleagues are survivors or are going through their own breast cancer journey right now. And we just thought, ‘Wow, what a great way to come together and show our support in a way that also promotes health.’”

Laurie and the central office team have been walking the walk for at least four years, helping raise awareness and funding for breast health programs and services at MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital. On Friday, Oct. 1, 30 team members continued the tradition, turning out in pink and walking 2.5 miles around Sumner on their lunch break.

“I just love the sense of community and energy,” Laurie says. “We’re all there for one purpose: to show our support for some incredible human beings that are going through the toughest experience I could ever imagine. If we can just bring a smile to our colleagues’ faces or show that we’re behind them — if we could just bring an ounce of joy — that’s what we’re here for.”

Throughout October, you can follow the school district’s central office’s incredible example and “pink it up” for the people in our community dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis.

While Come Walk With Me was not held in person at the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse this year, you can still gather your nearest and dearest and walk whenever, however and wherever you’d like (pink attire highly encouraged!) all month long.

Learn more at Come Walk With Me’s website and start raising funds today, so more cancer survivors and patients can access breast health services close to home.