Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes a few weeks early to Florence this year as She Magazine and McLeod Health partner together to celebrate breast cancer survivors and promote awareness.

The She Event, which will be held on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Florence Civic Center, will provide an early start to the celebration of breast cancer survivors, typically celebrated throughout the month of October. Melia Berry, editor of She Magazine and coordinator of the annual She Event, explained that this year’s event is unique because of the decision to honor breast cancer survivors.

“She Magazine has such an incredible following in the community that includes women of all ages,” Berry said. “Therefore, we have an obligation to look for ways to offer information and resources that speaks to the needs of our readers. Partnering with McLeod Health and the Florence Civic Center, we are able to create an event that addresses many of the issues that women care about and face today.”

According to Berry, those issues include everything from health- and fitness-related topics to financial, beauty and shopping. Berry encourages those who participate this year to wear pink and take part in the many special events that are planned. Berry said this annual event truly offers a unique opportunity for women to come together and grow.

Berry said that any college students who plan to attend the event will benefit in more ways than one from the wide variety of information, services and shopping available.

“She Magazine has a large following of college students who relate to the topics and features addressed in every issue,” Berry said. “The college students who attend the She Event will have the opportunity to receive free or low cost screenings in the McLeod Health area as well visit the many vendor booths offering products and services that they use every day. With many area businesses represented, it will also be a great opportunity to introduce yourself to potential employers.”