By Lt. Charlene Ruggiero
On Oct. 26, approximately 400 inmates housed at the California Correctional Center (CCC) on the Level I, II, and III Facilities challenged each other in a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk to help people battling cancer.
Classification and Parole Representative Rebecca Williams, Correctional Captains Daniel Stalter and Chevi Amrein, Community Resources Manager Cherry Truman, and Associate Governmental Program Analyst Bonnie Cole attended the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk to show their support and appreciation for the cause.
Williams, who is also a Northern California Cancer Advocates (NCCA) board member, spoke to the participants about the impact they are making, as many people lose the battle to cancer every year. NCCA is a non-profit organization serving Lassen and Plumas counties that provides financial support to help people battling cancer, this time with help from the CCC inmates.
She thanked the inmates for their participation and donation. Many inmates shared stories about how cancer has personally affected their lives and the lives of their loved ones. They said this is what drove their desire to raise funds for the Cancer Walk.
Countless inmates walked non-stop for hours, as they wore pink ribbons, and carried signs and banners while chanting, “beat cancer.” As the inmates lined up to sign Breast Cancer Awareness posters, they thanked prison staff and event organizers for the opportunity to participate in the cancer walk.
CCC’s Level I Facility raised $651, Level II raised $210.53, and Level III raised $451.34. Together, they donated $1,312.87 out of their trust accounts. Some inmates housed on the Level III purchased shirts and handkerchiefs and decorated them with breast cancer awareness symbols, with proceeds donated to the NCCA.
To date, the NCCA has been able to help 173 people totaling over $127,000. The donation made by the CCC inmates will help NCCA in continuing their support in the fight against breast cancer.
Learn about other ways CDCR is community involved.
