Think Pink - for breast cancer awareness

Pink lights illuminating the Capitol and Legislature domes may be a pretty picture, but medical officials hope it will also remind women about the leading cause of death for those between ages 40 and 59: breast cancer.

Carson-Tahoe Hospital's fourth annual Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness campaign begins Thursday when the sun sets and the Capitol complex lights turn on.

"Statistics show that one in nine women will develop breast cancer," said Diane Rush, Carson-Tahoe Hospital marketing coordinator. "Think Pink is our way of encouraging women to take control of their health."

Expanding from the previous year, the pink lights will glow from street lamps between Fifth and Musser streets. Dome and foreground lights at the Capitol and Legislature, capital square and City Hall will also be pink. Lights were coordinated with the help of Briggs Electric and state and city building and grounds staff.

"The only ones we couldn't get pink were the ones in front of the Supreme Court building, but we're working on it," said Rush.

She said yearly mammograms, self-breast exams and an annual clinical exam can help save lives.

"Driving through our region during October will be a constant reminder that everyone can benefit by Thinking Pink and being aware."

Admission to the kickoff event at Red's Old 395 Grill, 1055 S. Carson St., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday is free to those who wear a Think Pink T-shirt. All proceeds raised at the Think Pink Bar - from the sale of $3 beer, wine and pink cocktails - go to Carson Tahoe Cancer Services. This organization supports all cancer prevention, education and treatment at the hospital.

"The key thing is that it supports cancer services locally. Everything we do stays here with our people."

Rush is expecting about 300 people to attend the event.

"We're slowly trying to turn main street pink. That's our goal."