The Source of the Healing Arts has walking team for Avon breast cancer walk

Warwick — What are you doing the first weekend in October? An eight-person team of women from The Source of the Healing Arts here in Warwick is going to walk a marathon over the course of Oct. 1 and 2, all to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. One in nine women will develop breast cancer, making it the second leading cause of death for women between the ages of 40 and 55. And everyone is at risk. Yes, family history may cause you to pay closer attention, but breast cancer doesn't have to run in the family to strike. The Source team is made up of Barbara Priestner-Werte, Judi Davis, Joie Ogrodnick, Kimberly Perugini, Charlotte Marggraff, Jodi Santangelo, Jody Sussler and Deborah Kantor. In order to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, each participant must raise $1,800 in pledges. This team has set their sights even higher — their goal is to collectively raise $20,000 —and they are almost there. As of Wednesday, the Source team has raised $15,000 and is looking to the community to help them reach it. "Our team is walking in memory of Lori Mattingly, a young mother of three small children, who lost her courageous battle with breast cancer in February of this year," said Priestner-Werte in a release. "Lori was a bright light, kind, and a compassionate woman, who even in the midst of the struggles with her own illness, sought to support and inspire others. She was and remains an inspiration to all who had the privilege of spending time with her." Anyone wanting to donate through the Source team, may do so locally. Michael McDermott at The Bookstore on Main Street has graciously volunteered to accept donations and people may drop off donations at The Source of the Healing Arts at 14 West St. Checks should be made out to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. If you need more information, call the Source at 986-1977. You may also contribute at www.avonwalk.org. According to the foundation, The Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade is a public charity whose mission is to provide access to care and to work toward finding a cure. They provide funding to organizations all over the country in five areas: medical research, clinical care, support services, educational and advocacy seminars, and community-based, non-profit early detection breast health programs. Priestner-Werte sent a letter to many of her friends, informing them of the walk. "Breast cancer is touching more lives than I ever realized," she wrote in her letter. "We are all at risk. That is why I, and some of my good friends, feel so compelled to try to do something to help." The Source of The Healing Arts offers a comprehensive program consisting of emotional support and counseling, support groups for individuals living with and beyond cancer and their caregivers. The Source offers nutritional care, therapeutic acupressure, massage therapy, self hypnosis, guided imagery, stress management and relaxation, art therapy, music therapy, health kinesiology, whole foods cooking, chiropractic, alexander technique, physical fitness, and yoga. The program is fully supported by the American Cancer Society and Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer. But the Source team is excited to make a difference in the lives of women - and men - who are affected by this disease. "We will be a team among thousands of people all over the country who will be doing this, all to raise funds for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade and support their mission of providing access to care and finding a cure," Priestner-Werte said in her letter. "We're very excited about doing it because we know it will make a real difference to the millions of people affected by breast cancer."