During October, the CAMC Cancer Center is proudly displaying a piece of the world’s longest pink scarf as a symbol of breast cancer awareness.
The scarf began in 2010 when Oak Hill resident, Terri Lynne Massey lost her four-year battle with breast cancer. Inspired by her memory, her family, friends and community came together to create this monumental scarf and a scholarship fund for children who have lost parents to breast cancer.
Originally displayed at Tamarack in Beckley, the scarf gained global attention, leading people from across the world to contribute. Over time, it grew to include pieces from all 50 U.S. states, as well as Canada and Mexico. At its peak, the scarf stretched an incredible two miles when fully knitted together.
Missy Bohan, Director of the CAMC Breast Center, worked closely with Terri’s family. “Working with Terri’s family has been such a blessing to me. Terri’s brother, Anthony, has such a passion to encourage others to get their screenings in hopes to save another family from losing a special person in their lives. Awareness and education are the best efforts we have, and the scarf is a symbol of love, passion and care. It’s a reminder to get screened for you and your family,” she said.
Missy also encourages people to get their breast cancer screenings. “Just being a female and aging puts all women at risk of developing breast cancer, regardless of family history. There are more breast cancers found in women who do not have a family history, which is why all women need to be screened yearly starting at age 40. A mammogram will find breast cancer before it can ever be felt when there’s the best chance for a cure. Mammograms do save lives.”
In recent years, portions of the scarf have been repurposed into lap blankets, with 28 of them being donated to patients at the CAMC Cancer Center. In 2023, the Massey family worked with the CAMC Foundation and West Virginia American Water Company to establish an endowment fund for the CAMC Breast Center, raising $28,000 to support patients.
Each October, Terri’s brother, Anthony Treadway, continues his mission to spread awareness and encourage people to get their breast cancer screenings.
