Spangdahlem raises breast cancer awareness Published Oct. 18, 2011 By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Orange and Black are commonly associated with October, but another color has been added - pink. This color does not represent goblins or ghouls, but rather breast cancer awareness. While Airmen cannot wear pink in uniform, they are doing their part in more ways than one to raise awareness. Sabers are taking breast cancer awareness to a new level here by walking, running and even dancing for a cure. "Exercise boosts breast cancer patients wellbeing and quality of life, so that's why we're incorporating fitness," said Lorraine Waller, Spangdahlem Exceptional Family Member Program family support coordinator. Multiple awareness events are scheduled for the month. One is the cardio fitness challenge. This involves teams of six people tracking how much cardio they do for six days out of the week. At the end of the month, the points from each team will be tallied up and the winners will be announced. "We designated Sunday as a rest day, because breast cancer patients exercise, but not strenuously so I wanted to make it fair for everyone participating," Waller said. This event not only focuses on breast cancer awareness month, but sheds light on all the programs EFMP supports. "We're doing this in support of all exceptional family members, to include breast cancer survivors,"she said. "When people think of exceptional family members, they think of children or others with learning disabilities. An exceptional family member can be any age and can have a physical or mental disability." Another event that raised awareness was Zumba for a Cure Oct. 13 from 4 - 8 p.m. Registration for this event was $20, which went toward the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Research. "It's a party," said Kim Groder, Zumba instructor, of the event that incorporates dancing, fitness and socialization. While women primarily attend the classes, all were encouraged to attend this event. "We're not turning anybody away," said Fiona Cook, Zumba instructor. "We're accepting registrations and donations the night of the event. Anyone can participate in some, none or all of it." For those who couldn't attend the Zumba event, there was a 5K run to support Breast Cancer awareness month the next day. "The events going on all tie together," Waller said. For those who participated in all three events, the cardio done in Zumba and the 5K can be put toward points on the cardio challenge. In addition to that, participating in any of these events supports and raises awareness for breast cancer.