The coronavirus has overshadowed every other illness this year with its potential to threaten life-saving treatments, surgeries, research and fundraising as breast surgeon Constance Chen suggests in her article on post-mastectomy reconstruction for October WAG.
Indeed, Covid-19 has put the American Cancer Society’s mission to fight “the emperor of all maladies,” as Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D., described cancer in the title of his illuminating book and PBS series, at risk for the first time in the history of the society. Indeed, it anticipates its ability to fund cancer research to be cut in half.
As the largest nongovernmental funder of cancer research in the United States, the society is determined to unite the community and continue leading the fight. “While the pandemic has changed our event plans for this year, we are still fighting back boldly and relentlessly against breast cancer,” said Anna Trocino, senior manager for the society. “With so much at stake this year, it is integral to unite, fund the future of breast cancer research and support efforts across Westchester County this October.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the U.S. In New York, 17,540 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 2,430 will succumb to the disease.
Westchester, home to one of the top 10 “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” events in the United States, a Manhattanville College walk that saw more than 22,000 participants raise $1 million last year, will be the setting for reimagined activities this year:
Through Oct. 18 – Dedicate a Personalized Tribute — Imagine a sea of pink pinwheels spinning on the Manhattanville campus in Purchase at the first ever “Tribute Garden” on Sunday, Oct. 18. Each tribute can be personalized with a message of dedication and honor. Donations of $10 or more will provide residents with an opportunity to make a dedication to a loved one lost, someone battling breast cancer or someone who has overcome her cancer. To donate a tribute pinwheel, visit:https://tinyurl.com/WestchesterTributeGarden.
Through Oct. 31 – “Pink Your Own Way” – Walk wherever you choose in support of breast cancer patients in treatment, breast cancer survivors or in honor of someone lost to the disease. Sign up with a team name to make your steps known, submit donations and secure volunteer hours for your breast cancer awareness and fundraising efforts at www.makingstrideswalk.org/Westchester.
Through Oct. 31 – “cityHUNT Scavenger Hunt” – “Pink and Go Seek” is a fun way for small groups to gather while supporting the cause. Using the cityHUNT digital app, teams receive clues created exclusively for “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” supporters. Teams will “hunt” for a list of objects, follow clues to solve problems, take pictures, make videos and celebrate breast cancer survivors. Remember your social distancing and masks while you play. Learn more about the cityHUNT team event at www.makingstrideswalk.org/Westchester. Email WestchesterNYStrides@cancer.org or call 845-594-3071.
Oct. 18 – “Drive Through Pink Experience” at Manhattanville, 2900 Purchase St. —
Scheduled shifts for the rolling drive-through begin at 9 a.m.
The event is free and open to the public, with donations appreciated.
Participants must remain in their cars for the duration of the event.
Sign up for a time slot at www.makingstrideswalk.org/westchester
For more, email WestchesterNYStrides@cancer.org or call 845-594-3071.
