Avon Magazine October 2024 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

Fierce Fighter

Raising Awareness

BLACK AND GOLD PRIDE

Women in

Darrell Skaggs Talks About His Breast Cancer Journey and

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Dr. Elizabeth Allspaw

BLACK AND GOLD PRIDE IN STEP WITH THE AVON DANCE TEAM

Victoria York estimates the Avon Black and Gold Dance Team got its start in the early 2000s. She was on the team during her senior year at Avon High School in 2010, and recalls that although they were starting to improve, she wouldn’t call the team competitive.

That’s all changed in the past several years.

York owns Tenacity Dance Company in Avon. She was called in to help with choreography and began coaching the team in 2019.

“My first year we had a team of 22, and I was thinking, ‘We can’t be competitive with this many people on the team,’” York said. “It was still, if you tried out you made the team.”

The dance team, by definition, includes

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography / Amy Payne

dancers who are technically trained. York said they often belong to local dance studios, and when they’re not doing dance team competitions, they’re participating in studio competitions.

“We participate in home football games and you might see a more fun or casual dance there, but these girls are training five days a week,” York said. “There’s isn’t an off season.”

More and more, colleges and recruiters are seeing the value of dance teams. Scholarships are being offered and the dancers can see a future using their skill.

“There’s a convention circuit for high school dancers wanting to dance in college,” York said. “We usually go to one of those for information. A lot of the big schools are recognizing it as a sport, and some aren’t quite there yet but there have been a lot of developments.”

The pandemic put a hold on everything in 2020, but in 2021, after a shaky year of winning some and losing some, the large ensemble (a group of seven dancers) won the state competition.

In 2022 they came back in full force, went undefeated the entire year, and won state again.

Along the way, York was trimming the team, first from 22 to 16, and then down to 14 dancers last year. It was becoming more difficult to join and more competitive on the dance floor.

Unfortunately, 2023 delivered an unexpected blow.

“Last year was rocky,” York said. “I got very sick and was in and out of the hospital. I was Zooming in for rehearsals, we hadn’t won a competition all year, and the night before we left for state, I got out of the hospital, held an impromptu rehearsal and changed their entire dance. I think in two days we rehearsed for 18 hours.”

Despite multiple hospital stays and the team feeling defeated, York saw development in the dancers in other ways.

“The seniors on the team really stepped up and took on a leadership role,” she said. “They were great at making the team feel like a team and everyone had a voice. They all stepped up and we won state in 2023 despite all that was going on.”

This past year brought even more developments for the dance team, but this time on a positive note. Fourteen high school students with seven in the large ensemble went undefeated and won state again.

“THEY KNOW WE DON’T DO DRAMA. WE KEEP OUR GRADES UP, AND WE STAY FOCUSED BECAUSE I WANT TO PREPARE THEM FOR THE REAL WORLD AFTER THEY GRADUATE. IT’S NOT ONLY DANCING; IT’S LEADERSHIP, WORK ETHIC, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND REALLY GROWING INTO ADULTS.”

-VICTORIA

YORK

DR.

As always, Vitamin D & C help too!

VICKI CRUM

Then, they upped the ante with a new competition.

“We decided to go to nationals in Orlando,” York said. “Nationals helps prepare the girls for college dance teams. They start to gain recognition and the large ensemble doesn’t compete. It’s the entire team competing so it really rebuilds our confidence as a whole team.”

They brought home third place at nationals and plan to return this year and in future years, giving dancers more opportunity and experience.

York also changed the responsibilities of the alternate on the team, further encouraging each dancer to give it their all.

“I created a fluid alternate position,” York said. “When you make the team, you’ve never known if you’ll be competing regularly on the team or as an alternate, but I had a year where a dancer was an alternate and was working harder than another dancer on the team. If you work harder, you get to go in.”

One might think the competitive nature of the team would lead to friction, but York said the bond between the dancers and the students and staff grows stronger every year.

“We’re all so close,” she said. “I look at them like my own kids. If one of them needs something, I would drop what I was doing to get there. The connection they have with each other is unbelievable. They’re together constantly, holding each other accountable and pushing each other to higher standards. They know we’re not only representing dance, but representing Avon too.”

As head coach, York said it’s rewarding to watch their growth and development from freshman year to senior year. York has seen shy and timid ninth-graders become confident seniors, proud of being a part of something they feel is incredibly special.

“They know we don’t do drama,” York

Coaches Emma Clark & Victoria York

said. “We keep our grades up, and we stay focused because I want to prepare them for the real world after they graduate. It’s not only dancing; it’s leadership, work ethic, accountability, and really growing into adults.”

The 2024-2025 team has already been selected. They’ve auditioned, participated in a three-day camp over the summer, and have begun preparing for competitions this winter.

They’ve starting performing at home football games this month, and after fall break, things get more intense with choreography, solo and ensemble teams, and official competitions in December.

“We do one to two competitions per month from December to February,” York said. “Toward the end of February we have the state competition, but throughout that time, if you’re a dancer on the team and in the large ensemble,

you’re practicing 30 hours per week to prepare.”

She’s excited about the team’s direction, and said even with the changes over the past several years, the dancers are thriving.

“I tell them they’re like popcorn; everyone pops at a different time,” she said. “You can’t compare yourself to the person standing next to you. I’m excited to see what they’ll do this year. We have some really strong dancers and the next few years should be great. It’s a fun experience, but the culture and the expectation and working together makes this really special.”

Follow the Avon Black and Gold Dance Team on Facebook for upto-date info on competitions and appearances.

THE POWER OF MAMMOGRAPHY SCREENINGS

In the fall of 2020, the Indianapolis Colts participated in an NFL initiative called My Cause, My Cleats, for which players made known a cause that was near and dear to their hearts by writing it on their shoes.

Owner Jim Irsay’s family chose to pen the phrase “Kicking the Stigma” on their footwear to bring awareness to the stigma associated with mental health. That same year they also invested in a national PSA campaign, letting the world know that the Colts view mental health as a critical issue that should be regularly addressed.

Soon thereafter, the Colts launched an official Kicking the Stigma campaign that focused on increasing awareness about the prevalence of mental health disorders in our communities, and to raise and distribute funds to nonprofits and other organizations that expand treatment and research in Indiana and beyond. The Colts’ goal for 2024 is to focus on how best to start conversations around mental health.

“We asked, ‘How can we use the power of the Colts platform to encourage people to treat mental health like anything else - say, a migraine or a broken arm?’” says Brett Kramer, director of Kicking the Stigma for the Indianapolis Colts. “If someone is feeling anxious or down, we want these to become normal conversations to share.”

KICKING THE STIGMA

COLTS ORGANIZATION LAUNCHES MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing

Where do people tend to gather for connection, check-ins and chats? Coffee shops!

Kramer had been following the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s (AFSP) coffee sleeve campaign, so she reached out to the AFSP Indiana chapter to

see if there was a partnership opportunity between their two brands.

“The conversations surrounding the coffee sleeves, our respective organizations, and mental health and suicide prevention have felt very natural and organic,” says Brandon Puszkiewicz, Indiana programs

manager for AFSP.

As a result of this collaboration, approximately 60 coffee shops, businesses, and other offices and organizations will distribute 75,000 coffee cup sleeves across Indiana during September (National Suicide Prevention Month) and October (National Depression Awareness Month). This will cover areas of Indiana like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, northwest Indiana, Ellettsville, Huntingburg, Shelbyville, Cumberland, Rockville, Terre Haute, Muncie, Evansville, New Palestine, West Lafayette, Richmond, Hanover and more. These sleeves aim to normalize conversations about mental health, as well as connect the community to mental health resources such as the 988 suicide Lifeline.

“We’ve found through research that stigma, without a doubt, is one of the highest barriers for people seeking help for their mental health,”

Kramer says. “The Indianapolis Colts, under the umbrella of the NFL, has an incredible platform. Our reach in our market is ginormous so we’re trying to be responsible stewards of this platform.”

Not only do the Colts have the incredible example of the Irsay family, but they also have an entire locker room of players who have lived experiences with mental health or have a loved one with such experience. Sharing their stories lets others know that vulnerability equals strength.

“These incredible athletes are going through emotions and tribulations,” Kramer says. “They are all great ambassadors of Kicking the Stigma. We’re grateful that they’re transparent in their journeys since so many people of all ages look up to them.”

Because let’s face it…mental health doesn’t discriminate.

“It doesn’t matter where you live, what you’re doing or what your net worth is, it impacts everyone on some level,” Kramer says. “We want to encourage people to be open and honest about how it affects their lives.”

Puszkiewicz says seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

“Many people face challenges with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, and it’s important to understand that these feelings are not just common, but also valid,” he says. “It’s OK to not be OK, and reaching out for support, whether through friends, family or mental health professionals, can be a crucial step towards healing.”

Going into football season, the Colts are naturally integrating Kicking the Stigma into all they do. For instance, their preseason game on August 17 against the Arizona Cardinals was dedicated to mental health awareness. Prior to the game, both teams wore Kicking the Stigma gear to help normalize mental health conversations. During this game, the Colts invited students from Bring Change to Mind clubs

throughout the state of Indiana to line up at the Colts’ horseshoe banner during team introductions.

In addition, during the Colts’ October 20 game against the Miami Dolphins, mental health professionals from across Indiana will be special guests following a thankyou breakfast.

“We want to show our appreciation for the behavioral health workforce because they are the true champions in this space, making an impact day in and day out,” Kramer says.

The Colts are happy to be cultivating so many mental health partnerships. For instance, this past May they partnered with the Indianapolis Indians for a Mental Health Awareness night for one of their games.

“We’re trying to utilize our partners and champions throughout the community in

talking about mental health and bringing awareness in these spaces,” says Kramer, who expects collaborations to grow.

“We’re grateful we’ve been supported by the community and mental health organizations across the state who have come alongside us in this journey. We can’t do this alone, and we’re not doing this alone.”

Kramer is quick to point out that she’s not a mental health expert. She and her team, however, are experts at using the power of the horseshoe to bring people together, to set an example and to elevate the mental health experts in this space.

“A lot of these organizations don’t get the credit they deserve for the incredible work they’re doing,” she says.

Puszkiewicz encourages all of us to strive to foster environments where open conversations about mental health are encouraged and supported.

“Mental health issues can feel isolating, but no one has to face them alone,” Puszkiewicz says. “Your mental health matters. There is always hope and help available.”

To learn more, visit colts.com/kickingthe-stigma.

5 5 5 1 2 3 4 5

Ways YOU Are Needed During Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month!

Attend or invite someone to come to our Men IN Action Breakfast on October 3rd

Play Sheltering Wings BINGO for a chance to win a community prize pack

Wear purple on October 17th for National Purple Day

Join us on October 24th for Dine Out Against Domestic Violence

Participate in 31 Days, 31 Ways to Prevent Abuse calendar activities

YOU are the key to ending domestic violence and promoting healthy communities! Join Sheltering Wings all month long in building a strong foundation and creating a world free from abuse.

Scan here to learn about this month’s events and to download your own Bingo card & 31 Days, 31 Ways calendar.

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HELLO!

For 50 years, Godby Home Furnishings has been providing Central Indiana with quality furnishings at affordable prices. When my dad, Jim Godby, started this company back in 1974 he never dreamed we would grow to be as big as we are today. It was his friends and family who helped him get started back then, and it is your loyalty and support today that have helped us reach this milestone. We are truly grateful to be a part of this community with you! Please join us as we celebrate you, our friends and family, and this great accomplishment of 50 years as a locally owned and operated business.

Your friend,

Jeff Godby

Patricia “Pattie Page” Tyree, RN/CSA 30 plus years of Nursing- Hospital/ Homecare experience

•

ON A MISSION

IU HEALTH WEST TEAM MEMBERS SHARE DETAILS ON SERVING OTHERS AROUND THE WORLD

Team members at IU Health West Hospital spend each day caring for patients in their local communities through their work at the hospital. That drive to help others has led several team members to take that mission beyond the hospital walls, and serve people in other areas of the United States and abroad. From Kenya to Turkey to Jamaica and more, we sat down with a few IU Health West clinical team members to chat about their recent experiences, and the “why” behind their trips.

JENNIFER BOSTON

Physical Therapist

Eighteen years at IU Health West

How many trips have you been on?

When and where did they occur?

Eight medical trips to work with Missions of Hope International in Nairobi, Kenya. 2012-2018, and 2024

How did you help medically during the trips?

Physical therapy with special-needs children. I was able to provide physical

assistance to the family while showing to the community that these children have value, and they aren’t a “curse” on their family.

What inspired you to go?

I initially went to Kenya to try to be a blessing to the people there, not realizing that I would be the one who was blessed. Working with kids with disabilities in the Mathare Valley of Nairobi was totally out of my comfort zone, but when Missions of Hope International asked me to work with

these kids, I agreed, and my life has changed. The people have very little, but the joy they have because of what Jesus has done in their lives is beyond comprehension.

LESLIE GIBBS

Lead Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner Seven years at IU Health West

How many trips have you been on? When and where did they occur?

More than 20 (not sure of exact number). 2015-2022. Multiple refugee camps across Greece and Turkey; long-term Tibetan refugee medical care in Zanskar, India; Standing Rock Reservation, North Dakota; multiple migrant camps on the U.S.-Mexico border.

How did you help medically during the trips?

Medical provider, primary care and urgent/emergency care; team leader; board member, medical non-governmental organization.

What inspired you to go?

I believe all humans should have access to health care when they need it, and in the obligation of those with resources to share with those without.

ai172503616715_TownPost- 3.5 x 4.75-OCT-OUTPUT-082924.pdf 1 8/30/2024 12:42:47 PM

ERIC PEAK

Team Lead, Pharmacist

Fourteen years at IU Health West

How many trips have you been on?

When and where did they occur?

Ten trips total (eight non-medical and two medical). Guatemala, India, and Liberia were non-medical trips from years past. 2023 - served on a medical clinic boat that traveled along the Amazon River in Brazil. 2024 - served on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic with practitioners and a group of health care students from Butler

University. Included daughter, Carli, a Butler student studying public health and psychology; she is also a trained EMT.

How did you help medically during the trips?

In Brazil and the Dominican Republic, I worked as a pharmacist serving the popup medical clinics our team provided.

What inspired you to go?

My faith in Jesus has taught me to use my time, talent and treasure to serve others. In the past two years I have discovered opportunities to use my medical knowledge in service.

TONYA MITCHELL

Registered Nurse and Ambulatory Procedure Unit and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Day Shift Clinical Coordinator

Twelve years at IU Health West

How many trips have you been on?

When and where did they occur?

Five trips. February and July each year except February 2024. In Jamaica.

How did you help medically during the trips?

February trips - meet up with the preschools to pass out toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as teach dental hygiene. July trips - health screens and pass out Tylenol, ibuprofen, vitamins, ace wraps, triple antibiotic cream, knee braces, ankle braces and reading glasses.

An eye doctor’s office here at IU Health West gave me a lesson on how to interpret what reading glasses people would need, and we have given over 200 pairs of reading glasses. A lot of these have been donated by my nursing team.”

What inspired you to go?

The feeling of making a difference in someone’s life with the things we take for granted is humbling. My most rewarding times are when I do reading eye tests and give out reading glasses. Those smiles when they can see what they are reading warms my heart.

AARON AND SHANELE RHOADS (MARRIED)

AARON RHOADS

Registered Nurse in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab

Nine years at IU Health West

SHANELE RHOADS

Registered Nurse in Ambulatory Procedure Unit and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit; Also serves as Surgical Services Bereavement Coordinator

Eleven years at IU Health West

How many trips have you been on?

When and where did they occur?

Aaron has been on several mission trips, including: 2004-2005 - Mexico; 2005 - Costa Rica; 2012 - Kenya; 2016Uganda.

Shanele has been to: 2005 - Mexico; 2012 - Kenya.

How did you help medically during the trips?

Casa de Ninos (San Luis Potosí, Mexico): Spent time with the children and helped to repaint a building at a local Christian college. Traveled to neighboring cities to preach the gospel of Christ.

Agua Viva Ministries (Bri Bri, Costa Rica): Provided supplies and aid to remote villages in the Talamanca Valley after suffering from a devastating flood. Rebuilt and remodeled parts of the Agua Viva church.

Missions of Hope International (Mathare Valley, Nairobi, Kenya): Opened a

medical clinic to serve the Missions of Hope school children and the residents of the Mathare Valley of Nairobi. Spent time with the children who attended the school and visited with their families and others in the community.

What inspired you to go?

Aaron: By serving others, I have the tremendous privilege of reminding people of their immeasurable value - value that is not merit-based, nor is it attached to our race, gender, creed or bank account. My mission is to live out the words of Jesus, to love God and to love others.

Shanele: Mission trips help open your eyes to the needs of others outside the comforts of America, and provide the less privileged with things they would normally not have, like medical care, dental care, Bibles, toys and more. I was able to witness the power of Jesus through healing, kindness, labor, prayer and people.

OCTOBER

1 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

5:30 - 7:30 PM www.brownsburg.org

4 FIRST FRIDAY CRUISE-IN

DANVILLE TOWN SQUARE,

Over 200 new and vintage cars on the square. Fun for the whole family! www.visithendrickscounty.com

INDY 8 HOURPRACTICE & QUALS

7:30 AM - 7 PM

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, 4790 W 16TH ST.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the Indianapolis 8-Hour event, an Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli sports car championship race Oct. indianapolismotorspeedway.com

18 NHRA DIVISION 3

FALL CLASSIC

8 AM - 9 PM

LUCAS OIL INDIANAPOLIS RACEWAY PARK, 10267 US HIGHWAY 136.

The NHRA Division 3 Fall Classic is the final NHRA North Central Division race at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2024! www.brownsburg.org

TEEN

CENTRAL HALLOWEEN PARTY

3:15 - 4:30 PM

PLAINFIELD-GUILFORD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1120 STAFFORD RD. FRIDAY, 18 2024 3:15 PM4:30 PM

Come celebrate the scariest time of the year with crafts, snacks, and activities. plainfieldlibrary.libnet.info

24 TRICK-OR-TREAT

ON SIMMONS STREET

5 - 7 PM

PLAINFIELD-GUILFORD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY, 1120 STAFFORD RD.

Dress up and bring the whole family for a fun trick-or-treat experience at your library! plainfieldlibrary.libnet.info

26 GHOSTS & GOBLINS

1 - 5 PM

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP PARK, 115 S. CR 575 E. Description Get ready for an incredible adventure at our annual Ghosts & Goblins event! business.avonchamber.org

HOPPY HALLOWEEN AT HERRMANN BREWTHERS BIERWERKS

1 - 5 PM

HERMANN BREWTHERS

BIERWERKS, 7811 WEST MORRIS STREET. Hermann Brewthers Bierwerks, in partnership with Indiana On Tap & OnTapTickets, is excited to present the RETURN of the popular “Hoppy Halloween” Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits Fest! eventvesta.com

TRAIL & TREAT

5 - 7 PM

WILLIAMS PARK, 940 LOCUST LANE

www.brownsburg.org

or Submit Your Own

What are your real estate needs?

Life happens, home needs change. We understand. Real Estate For Real Life, that’s the Point

Claire-Anne and her team have skillfully helped hundreds of local families make their home dreams a reality and they would be honored to help you too, call them today!

Fierce Fighter

DARRELL SKAGGS TALKS ABOUT HIS BREAST CANCER JOURNEY AND RAISING AWARENESS

pproximately 2,800 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and for more than 500 of them, the diagnosis will be fatal.

Hendricks County resident Darrell Skaggs is making it his mission to spread

the word and encourage men to rid themselves of the stigma surrounding the disease. Skaggs was diagnosed for the first time in 2010.

“I had gall bladder issues and they did a CAT scan,” he said. “The gall bladder

was bad, but they also found a mass in my left breast and they wanted me to get a mammogram.”

The appointment to get the mammogram required him to walk into the women’s center, and Skaggs was reluctant. His wife of more than 50 years,

Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne

Wanda, suggested most of the people would think the appointment was for her and she was right.

Skaggs said the only question on the form pertaining to a man was the line to place his name.

“After the mammogram they wanted an ultrasound and then they did a biopsy that same day, and three days later my doctor called me and said it was breast cancer,” Skaggs said.

Skaggs received the news at work and headed home, but he didn’t want to call his wife; he would wait until she came home that afternoon. It was a long wait and gave Skaggs plenty of time to think.

“I graduated high school in 1969 and served with the United States Army in Vietnam in the early ‘70s,” he said. “I’m a military guy and a sports guy. This is embarrassing for a man. I felt like I had a woman’s disease, and it affected my whole family.”

After talking and praying with his wife that afternoon, they began researching and Skaggs was in the surgeon’s office two weeks later.

They removed the tumor, but found a second surgery was needed to take additional lymph nodes. After the surgery he underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and took preventative medication for five years, eventually being told he was in the clear.

Those years were transformative for Skaggs and his family. Not only were they dealing with their own emotions and concerns, but they were also still mulling over the facts concerning men and a breast cancer diagnosis.

“For about a year I didn’t want to talk about it,” he said. “I didn’t want anyone to know, but my family kept encouraging me to talk about it because other men need to know about this. My son said there was a contest with Major League Baseball, picking an honorary bat girl for

Darrell & wife, Wanda

each team. He suggested I enter it and I said, ‘That’s for women.’ He said, ‘Send in the application anyway,’”

Skaggs was chosen, and soon after, more and more organizations began reaching out to him to represent the men.

“I got a call from Susan G. Komen and they wanted to share my story in their monthly magazine,” he said. “Then in 2012, Ford Motor Company did a Warriors in Pink campaign and I was chosen along with 10 other breast cancer patients to participate. We traveled to New York and L.A., modeled clothing and other items, and had ads in magazines. There’s a nice documentary about it and all the money raised went toward breast cancer research.”

Churches, nonprofits and other organizations in the community began asking Skaggs to speak at their breast cancer awareness events and the American Cancer Society enlisted him for their Reach for Recovery program.

“Reach for Recovery is for other men diagnosed,” he said. “I have a very supportive family but I needed another man to talk to, another guy that’s been through this, and it’s helpful to see a guy who has gone through what you’re going

He’s currently talking to five men all over the country who are looking for a mentor, and one who knows the ropes.

The biggest problem, according to Skaggs, is finding symptoms far too late. If men have discounted the symptoms, or shrugged them off as a strained pectoral muscle or an injury from work, they put off going to the doctor for far too long.

“When the doctor found my cancer, I had no symptoms at the time,” he said. “If it wasn’t for my gallbladder, by the time it was found it would have been way too late, and a larger percentage of men die because we’re ignoring it.”

Symptoms include soreness around the

Darrell arriving for his biopsy results in 2010

Unfortunately, Skaggs’ journey hasn’t been as standard as chemo, radiation and a

In 2019 he received his second breast cancer diagnosis.

“I wasn’t feeling well again and I went to the ER,” he said. “They sent me to my oncologist and the cancer was back. They started me on another drug that had

of side effects. It was

but about

bad as the chemo. I was in remission three years later.”

In April of 2024 it returned - this time as stage four.

“Stage four is the worst,” Skaggs said. “It’s bad. There are new drugs and you don’t know what the side effects will

Darrell & his son at a Colts game

be. Whether you do the drugs or the chemo, both are terrible. I was sick forever. But I know God and I know he’s not going to give me anything worse than I can handle. It’ll be sad. I think about my boys, my grandkids and my wife, but I try to stay positive.”

Even through his own worries, Skaggs and his family agree that he shouldn’t shy away from the mission. The veteran and sports nut wants men to know they shouldn’t be embarrassed or frightened. The earlier they find it, the better the outcome.

He said eventually, the need to warn other men to be diligent and check symptoms with their doctor outweighed his own embarrassment or nervousness.

“Other men need to know about breast cancer,” he said. “At first it

was tough to talk in front of a big group, but after a while it got easier. If sharing my story means one person gets something checked out, it was a win.”

He’s still fighting.

Skaggs takes a daily pill and gets two injections every four weeks that put him in bed for three or four days afterward. He wants as much time as possible with his wife, two sons, two daughters-in-law and four grandchildren.

This October, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, he wants to save one more man through learning about male breast cancer.

Men and women can learn more at komen.org.

COLOR SCHEME

USING COLOR TO YOUR ADVANTAGE IN HOME DECOR

Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman

Like it or not, we live in a world of influencers and being influenced. One way marketers try to influence us is through the psychology of color.

I find it fascinating how companies choose the colors in their logos, and how they display those colors to stir up our feelings and emotions. Are you skeptical? Think about how many fast-food places you have visited that utilize orange or red in their branding - be it in their logo, in their dining area, or both. On a basic level, those colors are said to promote hunger and energy, which makes sense (they want you to come in, eat a lot and leave quickly).

Now think about how many fast-food places use the color green in their branding - far fewer. Why? Possibly because green is easily associated with nature and, as a next step, all things healthy (which contradicts

the opinion of what fast-food is).

Color influence is around us all day every day, which brings me to this - if the world outside of our homes spends so much time trying to steer our mood one way or another with color, why don’t more of us use color to create the moods we want in our own homes?

So much of how we decorate our homes is driven by the plethora of home renovation shows, which have told us to keep our walls beige, which transitioned to grey, all because they said that is what we all want. But is it?

Think about your home. Now think about what happens in each space of your home. Would you, could you, dare to paint an accent wall red in a room where you want to direct high energy (like a toy room, or

an office if you need to be on your feet and think fast)? What if you added some shade of orange to your kitchen to inspire that picky eater to eat more (no promises)? Maybe you could bring in some green to a space that you would like to be quieter (a study space, reading area or living room), or utilize the calming nature of blues in your bedrooms to exude calm, which could help with a good night’s sleep.

You get the idea. Become your own influencer, and make your space a true reflection of YOU.

Claire-Anne is a west side realtor helping people make Hendricks County their home. You can reach her at 317-345-6640 or thepointinrealestate@gmail.com