On   Sunday,October 16,2011, I participated with the Exchange Club in the walk for Breast Cancer at Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls, New York. The event started at the registration table where the Exchange Club registered, gave in their donations, and received a Breast Cancer Ribbon. While we waited for the event to begin we were provided with bagels and coffee, it was great!

When I looked around I felt excited seeing a variety of people happy to be there on a Sunday morning supporting a cause that was dear to their hearts in some way. You could see wives, mothers, sisters, husbands, fathers, brothers, daughters, and sons. But most importantly, you saw the survivors. The ones diagnosed with this terrible disease and who had hope, strength, and are now sharing their hope and strength with others.

After registration was over we went down to the field. which is where we listened to speakers, got warmed with some Zumba, and began our walk. There were a number of people who spoke to the crowd including: Congresswoman  Hayward, Joan Pagones, and Diana Kumara, a survivor of triple negative breast cancer.

We walked the track of the stadium and around the parking lot three times. It was fun!T hey provided us with water, and there were cheerleaders on the side line cheering us on. When we finished the walk there tables set up where we could purchase souvenirs. There were bracelets,  vests, and much more.

Some sponsors of this event were Better Homes and Gardens, Curves, Health Quest, Emblem Health, NYSUT, American Cancer Society, Sony, Shop Rite, Lukes Cornwall Hospital, Rand Realty, and Orange Regional Medical Center. They were proud supporters of the walk against Cancer, along with our Very own Exchange Club !

The Black Culture Club also participated in fund raising activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Their activities included selling leaves the Tree of Remembrance

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words “breast cancer” doesn’t always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.

Women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women.

Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. The evaluation of men with breast masses is similar to that in women, including mammography.

For more information go to:

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/About-Breast-Cancer/