Kettering Health Network presents Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Sunday, August 26 at Fifth Third Field when the Dayton Dragons host the Lansing Lugnuts at 2:07 p.m. All Dragons players, coaches, front office and game day staff will be wearing pink sweatbands during the game.

The Breast Cancer Awareness Event will take place on the plaza where Kettering Health Network will be passing out pink rally towels. Kettering Breast Evaluation Centers will also have a booth on the plaza.  In addition, the American Cancer Society will have information on the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk which is being held at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 20.

Breast cancer survivor Kim Zeckser will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to her son Zachary, who will be catching for her. Kim is an oncology nurse at the Kettering Health Network Cancer Center who became a patient herself. She was under the care of her boss, Dr. Gregory Gordon.

In July 2017, it was found through routine check-ups that she had a mass which turned out to be breast cancer. Kim was treated with chemotherapy from August to December, had a double mastectomy in January of 2018 and reconstruction surgery in April. She is now on the road to recovery.

Zeckser praised her co-workers for their support and encouragement. “They sent cards, flowers, and even donated their vacation days when I ran out of mine during treatment.” When asked about advice on routine check-ups, Kim stated, “Monthly health checks and a yearly mammogram have to be done. You have to be very diligent. Don’t be afraid because there is a lot of support.”

As a part of a national fundraising effort, the 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk will take place at Fifth Third Field on Saturday, October 20 starting at 8 a.m.