• Women and Breast Health: A Conversation with Heidi Rafferty, MD Oct. 13, 7-8:30 p.m., JMU Festival and Student Center (Ballroom 1). Register for this event

RMH’s dedicated breast surgeon, Heidi Rafferty, MD, will speak about breast health through women’s ages and stages, and about breast diseases, including cancer. She will describe new tools available at RMH for diagnosing breast cancer and the latest in breast disease and cancer treatment options and choices. Dr. Rafferty offers genetic testing and counseling and her presentation will include information on the emerging benefit of that service.

Meg Shrader, RN, RMH Women’s Health Focus breast health navigator, will open the seminar with remarks about her role at the local, state and national levels in advocating for breast cancer research and women’s access to early breast cancer detection and treatment. Shrader is the winner of the 2008 Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation’s Sharon H. Kohlenburg award.

Admission is free, but pre-registration is required. To reserve your seat, call RMH HealthSource at 540-433-4580. Parking information will be provided when you call to register.

• Race to Beat Breast Cancer—5K Run/Walk Oct. 25, 9 a.m., Harrisonburg Community Activities Center

All proceeds from this event, hosted by Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation, will benefit the RMH Breast Cancer Fund, which helps provide educational tools for patients of RMH Women’s Health Focus. Registration is $15 before Oct. 5 and $20 after that date, including race day. The cost is $10 per person for members of civic, social or sports groups. The first 250 registered participants receive a free T-shirt. To register, visit the Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation special events Web site or call Erik Dart at 540-433-2474.