Survivors, Volunteers Raise Funds to Fight Breast Cancer.

When it comes to fund-raising efforts for breast cancer causes, it’s the passion, the sisterhood, the tireless efforts and the pink tidal wave that seems to push millions of volunteers into action.

"That's the way I want to live my life," said Ann Marie Hogan of Pearl River, a breast cancer survivor who helps raise funds through the Rockland County group Brest Buddies. "I always feel the more you can do for others, it comes back tenfold."

There’s the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, which has raised about $400 million and has about seven million walkers in its events.

There’s the Susan G. Komen For the Cure® and Race for the Cure® events, which include more than 140 foot races and 1.6 million participants on four continents.

The Avon Foundation for Women, with the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which has raised $700 million for education, research, screening, diagnostics and access to treatment.

There are Nine Avon Walks for Breast Cancer nationwide, including the one in New York City this Saturday and Sunday. Hogan's group of 12 women from Rockland County will be participating. They hold fundraising events including a golf outing, a concert and Italian cooking lessons throughout the year to raise money for the the event.

"Walking to raise funds for breast cancer research is important," Hogan said. "I'm lucky I have great health benefits. I'm able to afford (proper care). So many othe rpeople don't have that. To allow others to have the care required is important to me.

"Finding a cure would be ideal."

The National Breast Cancer Foundation was founded by Janelle Hail 30 years ago. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s, Hail had a mastectomy at 34. There was not nearly as much information available then. “Every word beyond, ‘You have breast cancer,’ was a blur,” she said.
Hail had three young sons, and she was terrified.

She later fulfilled her dream of helping others – in millions of ways. Donations to the NBCF’s Pink Ribbon Challenge go to programs that benefit women: namely free mammograms at hospitals, clinics, missions and mobile clinics.

Radio listeners participate in the Pink Ribbon Challenge by going to their station’s website during October and clicking on the pink ribbon to give to the cause.

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition works with a network of grassroots partners. “This elite group of volunteers helps to raise awareness and donations… in every corner of the state in every way imaginable,” said Pat-Halpin-Murphy, president and founder of the coalition. She said many people know someone who has been affected by the disease. “Because of this, they are driven to fight and help find a cure for breast cancer now so our daughters won’t have to.”