REACH for Breast Health Chain of Caring raises $1,347
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - The REACH for Breast Health Program’s Chain of Caring® project raised more than $1,300 in October to support local breast health outreach, counseling, and screening.The Chain of Caring – assembled from pink Tyvek wristbands purchased by donors to honor a loved one – will be on display at the Relay for Life in May at Noel Field in North Adams. The Chain is a community effort to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention and treatment, and a celebration of the power of many people working together to accomplish common goals.
The October 2008 campaign finished strong and is building momentum for 2009. Sale of the links raised $1,347 which will be used to provide breast health educational materials, counseling, screening and outreach for all women in our community. The contributions will also help to provide patient navigation and support services for women who are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, recovering, or who live among us today as survivors.
Business partners were invited to join in raising awareness and to sell links to their employees and customers. These partners included Shine Wire Products, Landmark Credit Union, Hoosac Bank, the Cup and Saucer restaurant, the Northern Berkshire YMCA, students from the McCann LPN program and WUPE/WNAW radio.
“Shine Wire is proud to support the Chain of Caring. We have a commitment to our employees, and to our community, to bring awareness and show support around important health concerns like breast cancer,” said Greg Shine, President of Shine Wire Products.
This is not the first time Shine Wire has raised awareness around a health issue. Shine Wire is committed to finding a cure for cancer and each year they field a team, “Wired for Life,” for the Northern Berkshire Relay for Life. The team raises money all year long with potluck lunches every Friday.
Many departments within Northern Berkshire Healthcare also participated. A concerted effort to promote breast cancer awareness was a challenge that the Housekeeping staff took to heart.
“I was very encouraged by how well the community responded during this first year,” said REACH for Breast Health program manager Polly Macpherson. “It was especially heartening to see how many businesses and departments within the health system took on the challenge. We hope to grow next year’s chain much longer and stronger and increase the number of groups participating.”
All of the links of the 2008 Chain of Caring will be exhibited together at the Relay for Life on May 29 and 30, decorating the fence at Noel Field. On those dates, the 2009 Chain of Caring will begin. Links for 2009 will be sold throughout the summer and culminate with a presentation in October.
REACH for Breast Health is a program of the REACH Community Health Foundation. The program offers breast health education, personalized support and counseling for women diagnosed with cancer, information and referral services, complementary care resources and participates in community advocacy. The mission of the REACH Community Health Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of the Northern Berkshire community through outreach, education, advocacy and collaboration with community members and area organizations.
For more information on the REACH for Breast Health Program, other programs REACH Community Health Foundation offers, or on the Chain of Caring®, please call 413-664-5326.
