Breast Cancer Fundraiser Kicks Off in Adams

By Melanie Rancourt
Special to iBerkshires
10:05AM / Tuesday, August 11, 2009

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Photos by Melanie Rancourt The mood was pink at Harrington's Restaurant on Friday for the kick off for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Above, event Chairwomen Mary Robert, left, and Dody Brady; right, a pink ribbon cake symbolizes the fight against cancer.

ADAMS, Mass. — The American Cancer Society is hoping residents will take another walk in the fight against cancer, as one of its premier fundraising events — Making Strides Against Breast Cancer — makes its first debut in Berkshire County.

The fund raiser was first held 17 years ago in Boston and has since spread across the nation, said Kelli Barry, vice president of development for the American Cancer Society in Massachusetts, at the event's information kick off on Friday night at Harrington's Restaurant on Commercial Street. Many attendees were clad in pink — the color used to symbolize breast cancer.

"Last year the Boston event raised $3.3 million," Barry said. "The goal for the Berkshire event in its first year is $65,000."

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month so holding the event in the fall makes the most sense. The Berkshire Making Strides event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 18, on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail that runs from Adams to Lanesborough. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with the walk beginning at 11.  

Event Chairwomen Mary Robert and Dody Brady, who is a cancer survivor herself, are already hard at work making sure that this walk is a success.  

"On Oct. 18, men, women and children will step out on the Ashuwillticook Trail beginning on Park Street in Adams to be part of the three- or five-mile walk," Brady said. "Along the fundraiser walk, the event activities will include survivor, advocacy, and educational activities as well as food and entertainment. And, of course, there will be a Strides merchandise store."

Food and entertainment will be offered to walkers upon completion of their trek, with closing ceremonies occurring sometime mid- to late afternoon.  

"Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is more than just a walk, it is a day to remember those we've lost, celebrate those around us, and walk our way toward a better tomorrow," Robert said. "It is a truly remarkable experience." 

Not to be mistaken with the popular Relay For Life event that occurs in Northern and central Berkshires in May and June, Making Strides is not an overnight event. It is a noncompetitive walk designed to bring awareness about breast cancer and help fight the dreaded disease.

To start or join a team is free of charge, however, participants will not receive a T-shirt like they do at a Relay event. The official Making Strides 2009 T-shirt is a long sleeve, sky-blue shirt with a color design. They can be ordered for $15 each. For no additional charge, a team of 18 or more can have the team name or company name printed on the back. All shirt orders must be turned in by Friday, Sept. 11.

"The important thing to remember about Strides is its depth of services for women (and men) with breast cancer," Barry said. "Where as Relay encompasses all types of cancer, Making Strides only focuses on breast cancer and breast cancer research."  

Pat Mancuso, an eight-year breast cancer survivor, shared her story and expressed her gratitude that she was given a second chance to do all the things that she loves to do: dance, golf and bowl.

"I did a self-exam and discovered a lump," said Mancuso. "I had a biopsy, met with the doctor, and what he told me was devastating: I had Stage 3 breast cancer. I had surgery and then radiation treatments. There were times that I thought I would never make it through, however, with the support of my family, my friends and my co-workers, I did and am living proof that fighting back against breast cancer can be a success." 

Fellow cancer survivor Brady said progress was being made in the fight against the deadly disease. Some 190,000 new cases are estimated for 2009 and more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer. At least 10 percent of deaths are men.

Nearly 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year. Making Strides raised more than $50 million to support cancer research last year.

"I want to let you know that together, we are Making Strides. You should know that you are not alone," said Brady. "Last year nearly, 500,000 walkers across the country raised more than $50 million for the fight against breast cancer. Ninety cents of every dollar raised by Making Strides supports your American Cancer Society's programs for breast cancer research, education, advocacy efforts and patient services. 

This year, the Cancer Society has partnered with 14 corporations who have signed on as national sponsors. They include  Bank of America, Best Buy Co., Curves International Inc., H & M clothing, auditing services group KPMG, Kroger, March & McLennan Cos., TNG Worldwide (The Nailco Group), Pampered Chef, Sam's Club, Target, Walmart and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.  

To receive more information about joining the first Berkshire County Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, forming a team or ordering T-shirts, e-mail Robert at adamspal@adelphia.net.  

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