NEWPORT-"Get to know your body," emphasized WBIR news anchor Robin Wilhoit on Wednesday morning, as she addressed a crowd gathered at the Cocke County Courthouse for Newport's Paint the Town Pink Celebration.

Wilhoit, who serves as spokesperson for Channel 10's "Buddy Check" campaign, commended local efforts, led by Newport Medical Center's Imaging Department, to promote breast cancer awareness during October.

"Today there is no cure, but there is awareness," said Wilhoit, pointing out that breast cancer can strike anyone, men or women, old or young.

"The youngest person with breast cancer I have interviewed was 21 years old. Sadly she did not survive. The oldest person was 100 years old, and recently celebrated her 102nd birthday," she continued.

"I also interviewed a Knoxville minister, who was diagnosed twice with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy," she added. "He is one of many men to develop breast cancer."

"I've convinced our Buddy Check program does save lives," said Wilhoit. "Find a buddy. It's simple and easy. I've talked with countless people and the most common comment I've heard is 'I never thought it would happen to me.'"

For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.