Join Judy’s Team To Make Strides Against Breast Cancer

Judy Volpe’s team of walkers will be “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” when it steps off Sunday, October 16, at 11 am, at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport.

This will be the 12th year that the owner of the Avance Esthetiques Day Spa in the Sand Hill Plaza has fielded a team for the annual “Making Strides” walk, an American Cancer Society event that raises money for breast cancer research, support programs, and public education and awareness.

“We are looking to put together a really good team this year,” she said. “We hope a lot of people locally will join, or support, our team.”

Ms Volpe has fielded teams with as many as 75 members and generally raises between $9,000 and $13,000 each year. The annual walk during Breast Cancer Awareness Month is noncompetitive, leisurely walk that and can be anywhere from one to five miles. It is held rain or shine. Families and children are welcome.

This year in addition to free booklets about breast cancer and self-breast examination, pink ribbon car magnets, pins, and other complimentary items, Ms Volpe is selling “What Cancer Cannot Do” bookmarks for $1.50 and sport socks for $5 a pair with all proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

“These are little impromptu gifts that people can give to increase awareness about breast cancer and support the cause,” she said. “I realize that a lot of fundraising is going on but if people could still allocate a tiny bit to fighting breast cancer it would add up to a lot and go a long way.”

Each year Ms Volpe hosts a tailgate picnic after the event to thank her team.

The annual event is very meaningful to the walkers, she said.

“Cancer truly does affect everyone — friends, co-workers, family,” she said. “Over the years I have had a number of dear friends and clients who have had breast cancer.”

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States. All women are at risk for developing breast cancer, and more than 75 percent of all breast cancers are found in women 50 or older. Women in this age group should get a mammogram and breast examination every year.

The risk factor for breast cancer is one in nine over an entire lifetime. At age 25, it is one in 18,477; by age 50, it is one in 49; and by age 85, it is one in nine.

To join the walk or to make a donation, call Ms Volpe at 270-8911.

For more information about Fairfield County’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.acsevents.org/strides/ct/westport. For information about breast cancer call the toll-free number or visit www.cancer.org.