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Want to fight cancer? Pick some blueberries
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How to get there:
 
Take North Highway 21 to Kildare and turn right on Clyo-Kildare Road. Then turn right on Pitts Road. Watch for signs and balloons that will mark the entrance to farm.


SPRINGFIELD—Blueberries contain antioxidants, which laboratory studies have linked with cancer prevention. Now, blueberries have been linked to a new way to fight breast cancer in Effingham County. The Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) Breast Cancer Workgroup, Boy Scout Troup 295 and Blackburn Brothers Farm in Kildare have teamed up to create a blueberry picking event to raise funds for breast cancer detection and education. 
 
On July 10 and 11 from 8 a.m. until dusk, customers can pick all the blueberries they can carry at Blackburn Brothers Farm for $20 and the
proceeds will be donated to Effingham Hospital and Care Center to help pay for mammograms for women who can’t afford the life-saving screening test and to fund breast cancer education programs. Boy Scout Troup 295 will be on hand to run a concession stand at Blackburn Brothers Farm during the event. 
 
“It’s great to see events like this that bring the community together to help neighbors in need,” stated Effingham Hospital Chief Executive Officer Norma J. Morgan, who is also a co-chair of the MAPP Breast Cancer Workgroup. “Early detection and treatment of breast cancer is key to survival rates. Helping women without means get mammograms and treatment can save lives.” 
 
“Each workgroup is encouraged to identify community and public health resources to address health concerns, and, to generate funds to address those concerns for those who cannot afford healthcare services or treatments,” said Effingham Hospital director of Operations, Compliance and Integrity Barbara Prosser, who is also a co-chair of the MAPP Breast Cancer Workgroup. 
 
Jean Blackburn, who is the wife of one of the owners of Blackburn Brothers Farm and a human resources assistant at Effingham Hospital, is a member of the workgroup as well.