Local Proclamation, Statewide Walks Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Local Proclamation, Statewide Walks Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As October typically marks the arrival of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many Connecticut residents have already begun making breast cancer awareness a priority.
In Newtown, First Selectman Joe Borst stood beneath a pink ceremonial wreath on the steps of Edmond Town Hall with volunteers from the Newtown VNA to present a proclamation in honor of the occasion.
Many others across Connecticut are marking the occasion by joining the 16th Anniversary of the American Cancer Societyâs Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Bushnell Park in Hartford and White Memorial Conservation Center in Litchfield on Sunday, October 18, and at Sherwood Island, Westport, and Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, on Sunday, October 25.
Providing hope to all people facing the disease, this 5K noncompetitive event unites the entire community to honor and celebrate breast cancer survivors, educate women about the importance of early detection and prevention, and raise money to fund lifesaving research and support programs to further the progress against this disease.
âIn fiscal year 2009, 90 cents of every dollar raised through Making Strides will be reinvested into breast cancer research, prevention, detection, and patient support programs,â according to Patrice Bedrosian, Connecticut director of communications for the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society uses the dollars raised through Making Strides events to fund breast cancer research, provide up-to-date breast cancer information, ensure all women have access to breast cancer screening and treatments â regardless of income â and to provide services that improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
Some of the local American Cancer Society services supported through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer include:Â Â Â
*Reach to Recovery â A program that links newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors to offer information, answer questions and provide support while serving as role models for life after breast cancer
*Look Goodâ¦Feel Better â A program that provides women with cancer an educational session run by professional cosmetologists on how to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
*800-ACS-2345 â Trained cancer information specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer questions about cancer, link callers with resources in their communities and provide information on local events.
*www.cancer.org â Reliable, user-friendly website containing in-depth information on every major cancer type. Answers are provided to questions about the nature of breast cancer: causes and risk factors; the latest strategies for prevention and early detection; new diagnostic techniques; the latest treatment options and services available in an individualâs area.
*Road to Recovery â Transportation to lifesaving medical appointments can be a challenge for someone with cancer. An American Cancer Society volunteer will drive patients to and from treatment.
âAlmost everyone has been touched by breast cancer in some way,â said Trish Morrissey, area director for the American Cancer Society. âMaking Strides Against Breast Cancer gives us the chance to celebrate those who have survived breast cancer and help ensure that future generations are not faced with this life-threatening disease. Making Strides truly demonstrates that hope starts with each and every one of us.â
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk is the oldest and largest breast cancer walking event in the nation. And it is not too late to register, make a donation or join the American Cancer Society at one of the four scheduled walks in Connecticut.
To register online, visit www.cancer.org/stridesonline. For more information about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.