NASHUA — According to www.breastcancer.org, at least one in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer during the course of her lifetime.

The Huntington at Nashua residents acknowledge this and the disease’s prevalence. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, they set out Friday for the second annual 5K to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

The 5K took place around The Huntington’s facilities and began at 10 a.m. A group of residents participated by walking around the property three times. Staff members also participated by assisting residents who were in wheelchairs.

Last year, the walk received approval from residents, which made hosting it again this year a no-brainer.

“Everybody had a great time – it was all very positive,” Life Enrichment Director Cindy Marshall said.

This year’s participants enjoyed the festivities.

This year’s walk was a first for resident Nancy Schreyer. Schreyer said she chose to walk to support a good cause.

“I have not had that type of cancer in my family, but there are certainly a lot of cancers out there,” Schreyer said, adding she believes it is important to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Schreyer said the walk also brings the Huntington Community together.

Though they did not know an exact total for funds raised, as of Friday afternoon, the residents collected about $1,000 last year.

This year, The Huntington raised funds by selling raffle tickets for several themed baskets. Baskets included games, blankets, fall decorations, candy and other items.

Marshall said the baskets were contributed from different departments within their organization.

To prepare for the trek, The Huntington hosts a program similar to a “couch to 5K” program, during which participants can gradually work toward the goal of completing a 5K.

Marshall said The Huntington also takes residents out on walking trips, as well as easy hikes.

As noted by Marshall, residents benefit from this walk in more ways than one.

“The benefits of participating are physical fitness and it’s also a mental alertness, increasing longevity. It’s good for moods – it brings a sense of camaraderie when the residents go on the trips. They get to know one another better,” Marshall said.

“We’re really excited that we were able to do this again and that people wanted to participate,” she added.

Marshall said next year, organizers plan to do do their walk in a combined fashion by inviting members of the Hunt Community to participate. The Huntington and Hunt Community are both owned by Silverstone Living.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.

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