Imaging director Josie Conrad is shown with the 3D mammography unit at Wallowa Memorial Hospital. Thursday's Miles for Mammograms walk at Chief Joseph Days raises awareness and money for mammogram screenings.

JOSEPH — In an effort to raise awareness and money for mammograms — the most important screening tool to catch breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage — Chief Joseph Days will sponsor the annual Miles for Mammograms walk on Thursday, July 25, at 9 a.m.

The event is open to all ages and abilities, and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. A $5 per dog fee will be donated to the Wallowa County Humane Society. 

The informal walk, about 3 miles, begins and ends at the Harley Tucker Memorial Arena, just west of Joseph’s Main Street, and takes walkers through Joseph to the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Park and then onto Main Street to head back to the rodeo grounds.

After the walk, light refreshments and a chance to share fellowship with breast cancer survivors and supporters takes place at the Thunder Room.

“It’s a fun, low-key way to help raise money for local low-income women to receive free mammograms, and to show support for those who have dealt with breast cancer,” said event coordinator and Chief Joseph Days board member Teah Jones.

Imaging Director Josie Conrad said Wallowa Memorial Hospital has the most up-to-date technology for mammograms — a Genius 3D Mammography Unit, purchased with $94,000 raised at the Wallowa Valley Health Care Foundation’s 2017 Annual Healthy Futures Dinner Auction.

The event is supported by the Wallowa Valley Health Care Foundation and Wallowa Memorial Hospital, which provide the refreshments and other support. The entry fee includes a ticket to Thursday night’s rodeo and a T-shirt.

For more information, visit chiefjosephdays.com/miles-for-mammograms. Although online entries now are closed, participants still can register at 8 a.m. Thursday at the arena, 405 W. Wallowa Ave. in Joseph.