Many do not realize that this is our 17th year of organizing a Breast Cancer walk in Wickenburg. In our first year (2001) there were only 16 participants walking as a satellite team associated with the Phoenix Susan G. Komen walk.
By 2009, in order to keep the money raised here in Wickenburg to fund free diagnostic tests for people in our area, we formed our own non-profit corporation, the Wickenburg Breast Cancer Network (WBCN). Now the annual "Walk to Boot Breast Cancer" boasts over 400 participants.
Since inception, WBCN has donated approximately $175,000 to the Pink Ribbon Angels and $15,000 to TGen in Phoenix for breast cancer research and clinical trials. WBCN also obtained $30,000 in grants from the Safeway Foundation for the Pink Ribbon Angels*. *The Pink Ribbon Angels (PRA) provide diagnostic breast cancer screening, biopsies, and other medical support for the uninsured and underinsured women and men in our rural communities. Applicants for the PRA program must be between the ages of 35 and 64 and reside in Aguila, Bagdad, Circle City, Congress, Forepaugh, Hillside, Kirkland, Morristown, Peeple's Valley, Salome, Wenden, Wickenburg, Wittmann, or Yarnell.
Unlike many non-profits, WBCN is run 100% by volunteers. WBCN also sponsors an annual Breast Cancer Survivor "Celebration of Life" Luncheon in March at a local restaurant.
