San Andreas, CA…Mark Twain Medical Center (MTMC) is promoting the importance of early detection of breast cancer, followed by prompt treatment. The entire community was invited to participate in the annual ‘Pink in the Night’ opening ceremony September 26th, in Valley Springs at the Terrace’s (Common Grounds). All those who currently have breast cancer, survivors and support providers were able to light a candle in tribute to those who are currently battling breast cancer, or in remembrance of those that bravely lost their battle. Cal-Waste is supporting the FIGHT against Breast Cancer, and brought one of their trucks lit up in pink lights. Be sure and look for their trucks with pink ribbons around town!

The emphasis on creating Pink in The Night was to serve as a reminder to women that it is time to take charge of their own health. We want to remind women about the importance of an annual mammogram; to do a monthly self-exam; or to see a physician for a regular check-up.

“Pink in the Night is a community outreach that is very special,” commented Board Chair, Lin Reed. “The Mark Twain Health Care District Board and staff fully support this meaningful event. This is a great community wide breast cancer awareness event.”

The pink lights symbolize hope, and MTMC hopes Pink in The Night will make a difference in someone’s life. This event was originally started many years ago by Calaveras residents Amy Cullick, Peggy Lucas, Debbie Sellick and Suki Tutthill. In honor of National Breast cancer awareness month, women all felt that October is a time to honor those living with breast cancer, their families, friends, and all those who provide them with love and support; and to everyone that has been touched by the disease. Through the ‘Every Women Counts’ program, women can obtain free cancer screening health care services such as cancer screening pap smears, breast screening exams, including digital mammography and diagnostic imaging reading from the radiologist. Women that are California residents can qualify to meet the income guidelines that pertain to those that do not have health insurance, or are underinsured with high deductibles and high co-pays. Those women that may be unable to afford to cover these costs may be able to immediately qualify for free services through the ‘Every Women Counts Program.’ Any women desiring these services can
call (209)754-2968 to make an appointment through the MTMC Medical Center in Arnold.

“October 1st kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” commented Staci Johnston, Executive Director
of the Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce. “In full support of those who are fighting this
courageous battle & for those who have bravely gone before us, we hope to see all Calaveras County
businesses stand with us by lighting up in PINK. The Calaveras County Chamber Office will have
strands of pink lights on hand for local businesses to pick up and display. These lights represent the
importance of women taking charge of their lives and taking care of themselves, as women- we tend to
put others first. Early detection does save lives.”

Every year, the Health Care District funds the lights that are distributed to Calaveras county businesses. The
pink lights are furnished by the Mark Twain Health Care District. Once again MTMC is encouraging all
Calaveras County businesses to light up in pink and hang the strings of lights on the evening of October 1st
and keep them lit during the entire month of October.

The Calaveras Football Leagues will be joining MTMC for the Pink in the Night Lighting Ceremony for all
of the public to attend at 7:00 p.m. on October 1st, at The Terrace (Common Grounds, Fusion Grill) in
Valley Springs.

On Friday, October 21st, at the Calaveras High School Varsity football game, MTMC will have a booth for
Breast Cancer Awareness. During half time there will be a special ceremony for survivors.
Both football programs and cheer squads will be handing out commemorative footballs to families in
attendance. All football players will have pink ribbons on their helmets which they will wear for the entire
month of October signifying hope for the cure.

All Calaveras county businesses are encouraged to ‘Pink’ their businesses. Pink string lights can be picked up
at all five Medical Center locations, and Specialty Care Centers the Mark Twain Cancer Center and The
Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce Office.

###
About Mark Twain Medical Center
Founded in 1951, Mark Twain Medical Center is a 25-bed, critical access hospital providing inpatient
acute care, outpatient services and emergency services. The Medical Center’s Medical Staff represents a
broad range of specialties that ensure access to high quality medical care in a rural community. In
addition to being a major provider of health services, Mark Twain Medical Center is also one of the
area’s largest employers. More than 300 people are employed at the hospital and its five Family Medical
Centers. The Medical Center is a member of Dignity Health, the fifth largest not-for-profit healthcare
system in the nation. For more information, please visit our website at www.marktwainmedicalcenter.org.
Mark Twain Medical Center is also on Facebook.