Lake Charles Charter Academy walked with a purpose on Wednesday to support the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.

Students donned in pink gathered and walked a lap around the exterior of LCCA’s campus to raise breast cancer awareness.  Kimberly Lewis, family re-engagement coordinator, LCCA, said that this walk was an opportunity to not only fundraise for the Ethel Precht Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, but to educate the students on what breast cancer is and allow them a chance to be altruistic.

“We’re always educating our students on how they can give back, and so this was our opportunity this month to give back and make students aware about what happens when someone has breast cancer, but also give them the opportunity to give back to the community.”

They fundraised throughout the month of October. Students were able to purchase a pink LCCA breast cancer awareness month shirt and pay one dollar to wear them on Wednesdays. That money, plus a portion of the t-shirt sales, helped raise a total of $2,000 to donate to the foundation.

During the walk, students were led by community members that are breast cancer survivors.

One of these survivors is Terecia Joubert, whose son used to attend LCCA. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, and a second time in 2022.

She is now in remission, and she said it felt “full circle” to be recognized

“Before I was diagnosed with cancer, I was always involved in the community and different events to raise breast cancer awareness. … Now it just means so much more since I am a survivor.”

She believes everything happens for a reason, and though she isn’t fully sure what her purpose is, Joubert believes her fight with breast cancer plays a huge role in her life’s journey.

She heavily encourages those under 40 to receive regular exams “as soon as you become a woman.”

“I was diagnosed for the first time at 35, and a lot of times they tell you to start getting your mammograms at 40, but there’s so many women who’ve been diagnosed before. It’s not about waiting until you’re 40 to do self-checks or mammograms. … All women, once your breasts start to develop, check, go to the doctor. It’s really important for your health.”

Mary Washington, who is 21 years in remission, said that it is also important to take the time to know your body and be mindful of what you put into it. Prior to her diagnosis, she assumed that her cancer was just fibrocystic breast tissue.

“Now, I am sharing my story and telling young women to not ignore the fact that it can happen to you.”

She also noted that men should pay attention to their bodies as well.

“A lot of times men ignore it, because they feel that it can’t happen to them. … We are recognizing it more now and letting them know that we feel what they feel, that there is no shame.”