Howard Payne University held the Fifth Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk-a-Thon on Thursday, October 21, to raise money and awareness for the Walker Cancer Center Patient Fund at Brownwood Regional Medical Center. This fund is designated for women in Brown County that are dealing with breast cancer.

“There are so many stories about how the fund that we donate to has helped women in the area,” said HPU’s university nurse Jamie Skaggs, coordinator of the event. “It makes you feel so good to know that it really does help people.”

A total of 135 walkers comprising 16 teams walked at HPU’s Outdoor Recreation Complex from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

To date, a total of $2,500 has been raised, with donations still being accepted through November 1.

Many local merchants donated items for door prizes, and several groups/agencies helped supply the Walk-a-Thon t-shirts that were provided to each walker.

Community sponsors for the event include: HPU Student Government Association, Brownwood Regional Medical Center, Willie’s T’s – Will & Tracey Carrier, Drs. Sarah Chandler & Christopher Stephens, Dr. Carol Boren and HPU Health Services.

Door prize sponsors include: Chick-Fil-A, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Doc’s Pharmacy #1 and #2, 4 Corners, Mary Kay Consultant Laura Johnson, Main Street Car Wash, Mi Familia, Miller Christmas Store, Nathan’s Jewelers, Prima Pasta Restaurant, Section Hand Restaurant, Sodexho Campus Services, Sonic Drive-In, Spa on the Creek, Studebaker’s Restaurant, Texas Book Company/University Book Store and Underwood’s Bar-B-Q.

Photo information: (Photo by Kalie Lowrie) Left to right – Howard Payne University students Abby Wood, John Villagomez and Sarah Weber were among 135 walkers in the Fifth Annual Breast Cancer Walk-a-thon at HPU on Thursday, October 22.