First published in the Oct. 13 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
A wave of blue T-shirts recently filled the area under the oaks at La Cañada High School, as the Spartans held a walk-a-thon to benefit the new Sam and Grace Carvajal Comprehensive Breast Center at Adventist Health Glendale.
The event was sponsored by Massage Envy Glendale and La Cañada, with owners Helen McDonagh and Joey Ball present for the walk. Sponsors and walkers alike joined in for the short program led by Shant and Isabelle Koutnouyan — LCHS Classes of 2023 and 2025, respectively — to highlight awareness, self-care and early detection of breast cancer.
“The reason we’re here today, is because the statistics for breast cancer are startling,” Isabelle Koutnouyan said. “The statistics show one in eight U.S. women, and one in 833 U.S. men, will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetimes, and 7% of new breast cancer patients will be under the age of 40. Awareness, self-care and early detection are critical.”
LCHS Principal James Cartnal welcomed and thanked the crowd for participating in such an important cause.
“This event really represents the very best parts of our school, as our students came together powerfully to promote a cause in our local community that will help people for years to come and they did this with tremendous parent and community support,” Cartnal said.
Shant Koutnouyan extended special thank you to Cartnal and Sarah Beattie, adviser of the LCHS associated student body, for their “steadfast support and encouragement of this event.”
Dr. Dennis Holmes, a renowned breast surgeon at Adventist Health Glendale and the director of the new center, provided educational information to the crowd about the top 10 things to know about breast cancer, including:
• Know when to start getting annual mammograms
• Know your breast density
• Know your breast cancer risk
• Know that annual MRI is recommended for women at high risk of breast cancer
• Know if you or a family member might be a carrier of a hereditary breast cancer mutation
• Know your breast anatomy
• Know the difference between screening and diagnostic mammograms
• Know that obesity increases the lifetime risk of breast cancer
• Know that exercise reduces the lifetime risk of breast cancer
• Know that diets rich in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of breast cancer
Louise Skosey, vice president of Adventist Health Glendale Foundation, thanked the crowd and the Associated Student Body for raising more than $13,000 to “go towards the survivorship program at the new breast center.”
Holmes delivered a hopeful message that regular exercise and a diet full of vegetables and fruits, particularly when starting these good habits as teens, are the leading preventive measures against breast cancer. After the brief program, the attendees set out for the 1.5 mile walk around campus, guided by ASB students Ethan Rhee and Zak Iqbal accompanied by music provided by the ASB. Dr. Anthony Morovati of Morovati Wellness and Dr. Serineh Melidonian from the Adventist Health Glendale emergency department also volunteered that day.
After the successful event, Cartnal emphasized how grateful he was to the LCHS ASB, the community partners, all the walkers and supporters who participated.
“This event is another positive example of the impact that our students are making in their local community and beyond,” he said.
