By Keysha Drexel
Journal editor
Over the Mountain cities are turning blue–teal blue–this month to help raise awareness about cancers that take the lives of thousands of women every year.
Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Homewood and Hoover have all issued proclamations declaring September Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month through the State of Teal initiative.
Gov. Robert Bentley also declared September as GYN Cancer Awareness Month in a ceremony in late August.
Companies and organizations statewide are joining with CanSurvive, the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation, and the Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation to support the awareness campaign.
September is National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, and all three organizations sponsored a statewide event Sept. 2 to raise awareness of these types of cancer, their impact on Alabama, and the need for research and improved screening tests.
The initiative kicked off at A State of Teal Lighting and GYN Cancer Awareness Ceremony at Regions Field Sept. 2.
In Mountain Brook, the city will support the initiative by displaying teal ribbons around town throughout September. Mayor Terry Oden presented a proclamation to A State of Teal committee members Jennifer Smiley and Doris Moody on Aug. 26.
The pool side of the new community center at Homewood Central Park is illuminated with teal lights. A proclamation was presented to Cheryl Bourn, an ovarian cancer survivor, and other committee members at a Homewood meeting last month.
The city of Hoover is lighting up its Parks and Recreation building, Hoover City Hall, the Hoover Library and several fire stations in teal.
A proclamation was presented to Kelly Rice, a Hoover resident and ovarian cancer survivor, and other committee members at a Hoover City Council meeting in August.
Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza presented a proclamation to Phyllis Lawrence, a Vestavia resident and ovarian cancer survivor, at the Aug. 25 Vestavia Hills City Council meeting. The lights at Sybil Temple in Vestavia Hills will burn teal blue throughout the month.
Teal lights are also shining at the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Birmingham Zoo.
Several Over the Mountain and Birmingham metro area events are planned this month in honor of GYN Cancer Awareness Month, including the Head over Teal 5K and Family Day in Hoover.
The Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation will host the event at The Preserve in Hoover from 8 a.m.-noon Sept. 27.
The event will include beer from Good People Brewing Co., pizza from Little Caesars, live music, children’s activities and a blood drive. The 5K starts at 8 a.m. and will be followed by a one-mile run/walk.
Those attending can bring picnic lunches or purchase food from vendors at the event. Parking and free shuttle service will be available from Prince of Peace Catholic Church on Preserve Parkway.
For registration fees and more information on the Head over Teal event, visit or call 218-5271.For more information on A State of Teal, visit astateofteal.org.
