Credit Union Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

October 25 marked a "heartfelt hope for a cure" day at Northwest Federal Credit Union and its charitable arm, Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation in Herndon.

To rally support for board members, fellow employees, members and others who have been affected by breast cancer, the staffs at the two groups dressed in pink for the day and celebrated the occasion with a group photo. Employees gathered in a heart-shape formation and posed for pictures to show their "heartfelt hope for a cure."

This is the sixth year the groups have joined forces to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which started with an employee suggestion to participate in the national program. And efforts like these seem to be working. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer diagnoses have declined since 2000, due in large part to better education and prevention practices. With improved treatment and earlier-detection options, death rates are also declining. Today, there are an estimated 2.8 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.