Events Bring Breast Cancer Awareness Into Focus

The White House got a pink glow in Washington, D.C. People painted their pumpkins pink in Calvert, Md., and women donated art made of bras in Orange City, Fla. In Pennsylvania, first lady Susan Corbett turned the fountain pink in Harrisburg. And they did it all last year in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Closer to home, Vision Sports in Pearl River and the Nanuet High School wrestling team held a truck pull Sept. 25, raising money for the Avon Center for Breast Cancer Research. Denise Serra, the wife of Nanuet coach Carmine Serra who works at Vision Sports, is a breast cancer survivor.

Though the Orangtown Relay for Life, which was held June 17, is meant to support survivors and remember those lost to all types of cancer, breast cancer awareness was a big part of it. The Rockland County group, "Brest Buddies", took part and Nyack resident Jeannette Dailey was honored for her ongoing battle against the disease.

This October promises to bring even more colorful and thoughtful events and opportunities.

“Clearly, every person who brings attention to the cause is fantastic,” said Terry Music, chief mission delivery officer for the American Cancer Society.

Groups of women are getting together and survivors are reaching out to each other on social networks. The "Brest Buddies" will participate in the Avon Walk For Breast Cancer Oct. 15 and 16 in New York City. The group started participating in the walk in 2004 in honor of team captain Ann-Marie Hogan of Pearl River, who is also a breast cancer survivor.

Children are helping out, too, by pitching tents and filling water bottles at fundraisers in Tampa and serving pink lemonade from homemade stands in Philadelphia. Neighbors in Little Neck, N.Y., gather for a block party.

Men are participating, too, and in Connecticut, they are hosting a dance – no ties needed! In Virginia, men’s soccer and volleyball teams suit up in pink for special games.

There are hundreds of breast cancer awareness walks and runs around the country, plus marathons and a plethora of exercise-related events. Then there are the tea parties, luncheons, golf tournaments, masquerade balls, art shows, motorcross and motorcycle rides and concerts.

A Winter Park, Fla., hospital is raising money for the cause by selling pink plastic flamingos, which are popping up in yards all over town. An exhibit in Illinois is spotlighting survivors and family members through visual art.

And, of course, let’s not forget the high heel races going on around the world in support of breast cancer awareness, like the Stiletto Stampede for the Cure in Houston.

Breast Cancer Awareness Events in New York

• Wild Women of Comedy Breast Cancer Fundraiser – Oct. 1 – Bellmore
• Breast Cancer Gala: The Artrageous Affair - Oct. 1 - Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester
• LAX for Hope Women’s Lacrosse Tournament – Oct. 2. Oakdale
• 2nd Annual NYC Breast Cancer Fundraiser – Oct. 6 – NYC www.nycbreastcancerfundraiser.com
• TREK Women Breast Cancer Awareness Ride - Oct. 8 - Monroe County
• Pink Ribbon Tea and Chinese Auction – Oct. 9 – Albany 518-479-2665
• Blow Away Breast Cancer - Oct. 11 - Nyack - BlowAwayBreastCancer.org
• www.avonwalk.org/new-york/
• SIS Pink Tie Gala (Sustain, Inspire, Survive) - Oct. 28 Fairport www.helpsis.org

Patch Wants to Hear Your Story

Are you a survivor? Do you have a story to share? Patch wants to give you a place to inspire and encourage each other. Send us your photos of those 5ks, pink parties, dog walks and luncheons. Heading to get a mammogram with your friend, sister, coworker or daughter? Snap a photo before you go, and send it our way!

Download the movie