AUSTINTOWN, Ohio - Since 1985, the month of October is known for its eye-catching pink ribbons, symbolizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As the month gets underway, the Austintown community hosted a celebration of their own, Pink Out Mahoning Valley. It's a way to raise awareness of the diagnosis and honor those who continue their cancer battle.

"We just wanted to bring everybody together and have food and music and celebrate life," explained Sheila Kroll-Dickinson, Founder of Pink Out Mahoning Valley.

"Everybody thinks cancer is just doom and gloom," explained co-organizer Brenda Rider. "And for the most part it is, but there's also the part of it that we all work together and enjoy and inspire each other."

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 311k women and men are diagnosed yearly. The event spreads awareness of the disease by celebrating cancer survivors while honoring lost loved ones.

"It's empowering to other women that are going through treatment or for their children, their loved ones, their caregivers," Rider added. "And it gives everyone a chance to express themselves."

Kroll-Dickinson founded the event in 2023 as a way to gather, remember, share stories, and celebrate life.

"We've lost a lot to breast cancer," she said. "We have a lot of fighters. I'm nine years and so we wanted to have a party. That's what it's all about."

The American Cancer Society recommends women 40 and older schedule annual mammograms. Some attendees going through their treatment were able to join a community of support felt throughout Austintown Township Park Tuesday night.

"Until you meet somebody and you're looking at them and you're holding their hand and you're getting them through, you realize that you're not alone," Rider said. "It is a comradery to the whole family of survivors and those that have been touched by cancer."

The Vindys, along with several other local bands performed at the event. 

Click here to view more Mercy Health information regarding mamograms. Click here to learn more about the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center.