Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk 2025

Last Updated on Friday, 31 October 2025 16:37

By Jill Runfola

Penn Highlands Healthcare registration group: (Pictured L-R), Cara DeSimone-Clinical Pharmacist; Margaret Brown- Director of Pharmacy, and Ryan Gray- Regional Director of Medical Imaging

(Pictured L-R): Lois’s Ducoeur’s family for whom the event is in tribute: Karin Brightwell, family friend; Carolyn (Susie) Ducoeur Christie, Lois’s daughter; and Rebecca Brown, Lois’ granddaughter.

A survivor and her family: (L-R): Sandy Scullion, friend; Dane Scullion, friend; Jack Cole, in back row, father; Dee Lewis of Seward, breast cancer survivor since 2013; Ryan Lewis, Dee’s husband.

The 22^nd Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Walk was held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in Palmer Park, Donora. It was a day of coming together in victories, battles won, overcoming, love and sharing, and faith present. Over 100 people were in attendance this year. Registration began at 9:00AM, and the one-mile walk was at 10:00AM. The $20 fee went to Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital for patients’ comfort items which included blankets, hats, personal care items, cozy socks, etc.

A raffle drawing was held at the end of the walk for a chance to win big seasonal gift baskets, and a 50/50 ticket was sold to win a lovely bracelet. Prizes, goodie bags, commemorative ribbons and games were available just for fun. The newest survivor and longest survivor were recognized.

This walk is to commemorate Lois Orange Ducoeur, who was a courageous lady and breast cancer survivor. Born in 1911, she was from Charleroi, Pa. Lois was married to Fernand or “Duke” Ducoeur, and they owned Orange’s Department store. Duke served in WWII, while Lois ran the business and raised their 4 children. Then in 1955, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery. She bravely fought the disease for 10 years before it ended her life in 1965, at age 54. Lois’s son, Tom, and her daughter-in-law Cora Sue partnered with the Charleroi Chamber of Commerce back in 2003 to establish the walk in honor of his mother and to benefit those with breast cancer.

For the past 22 years, this walk has partnered with Penn Highlands Mon Valley and raised funds to aide local women in their fight against the disease. Lois’s daughter, Carolyn “Susie” Ducoeur Christie also overcame ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed in 2018, and it cleared up in 2020. Lois’s granddaughter Rebecca Brown was pleased with the events. She said, “It’s for our people (at the hospital) that are surviving. It’s still good to do these types of things in the Valley.”

Sam Vida, Penn Highlands Fund Development Specialist and Special Event Strategist, said, “We are so appreciative of everyone who supported the 22^nd Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk through donations, sponsorships and registrations. It is truly inspiring how the community came together to uplift one another and stand behind such a great cause.”


A breast cancer survivor and her care member: Georgeen Bush (at left), a little over 1 year survivor, and Angel Elliott (at right), Cancer Exercise Specialist at Penn Hills Mon Valley Hospital.	The group of survivors who attended the 2025 Lois Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk.