The large inflatable display that occupied the center of The Forum arena Thursday grabbed the attention of those who first entered the Women’s Health Retreat.

But a walk around the center, and through the giant exhibit presented the personal struggle that women and their families go through when dealing with breast cancer.

Redmond Regional Medical Center hosted the retreat, which was created as a way to inform and pamper ladies who decided to visit the free event.

“This is the first year we’ve done this and we really didn’t know what to expect,” said Andrea Pitts, marketing director for Redmond. “If we can help one person though it has been worth it.”

As a part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Redmond had many of its departments set up booths that not only highlighted early detection and support but also general wellness.

“I think sometimes when a person hears ‘breast cancer’ they tend to stop listening after that,” Pitts said. “It can be overwhelming and hard to absorb all of the information that is given at the time.”

Free angioscreens were given, thanks to Redmond’s mobile screening unit as well as other stations like healthy food sampling with a Redmond dietician.

Mini-massages and free tea and coffee from Cups and Mugs allowed the women who attended to relax as well.

The centerpiece of the event was the AmeriBreast interactive exhibit, which allowed visitors to walk through the inside of a replica of a woman’s bust to see a representation of normal and abnormal breast tissue.

“We are very excited to have it here,” Pitts said. “It’s the first time we know that it’s been in Rome.”

Imaging department technicians from Redmond were available to explain where breast cancer can develop and how it forms in different parts of the breasts.

“It’s really helpful to get to see it,” said Cheryl Smetts, the quality manager for radiology at Redmond. “After people go through they are very impressed by it and have said they wish they would have brought more people with them.”

Anne Fennell of Rome had hoped to come to the retreat with her 84-year-old mother, Mary Alice Slack, who was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago.

But she wasn’t feeling well so Fennell came anyway.

“It’s been so interesting,” Fennell said. “Just walking around and looking and reading. It lets you know that you really need to keep a check on yourself.”

Fennell heard of the event by attending her mother’s Bosom Buddies breast cancer support group meeting at Redmond on Monday.

“I think every woman in Rome needs to come to this next year if they have it,” Fennell said.