A large dedicated group of individuals braved the steady rain on Friday, October 19 to attend Nyack Hospital’s Breast Center’s “Blow Away Breast Cancer” rally to promote breast health awareness and raise money to provide services to underserved women in Rockland County.
Attendees stayed dry under the tent and enjoyed delicious and creative desserts provided by 12 Rockland County bakeries and caterers who donated their time and baked goods for this important event. The Mayor of Nyack, Jen Laird-White, daughter of a breast cancer survivor, was the emcee and thanked everyone for their support and praised Nyack Hospital for its important work in this area of women’s health. “It is such an important battle and it’s great when you live in a community where even high school football players are willing to put on pink socks for their homecoming game in an effort to fight this disease,” stated Mayor Laird-White.
Dr. Patricia Joseph, Medical Director of Breast & Women’s Health Prevention Services indicated that the event is getting bigger every year and, “the funds we raise go to help the uninsured and underinsured. Early detection is the key and cure rates approach 100% with early detection. I am very happy we are able to raise the funds through this event and others to get people who need it the screenings and services they need,” stated Dr. Joseph.
Donations for the annual event are on-going and are expected to well exceed last year’s total of $5,000. Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at www.blowawaybreastcancer.org . Donors will receive a digital pinwheel to place on their website or Facebook page to show their support and spread the word about the important program. Donations can also be made in the hospital’s gift shop and physical pink pinwheels are available for ‘planting’ in the “pink ribbon” garden on the lawn outside of the Breast Center in recognition of someone who has battled breast cancer.
The participating Rockland bakeries and caterers included:
- At Your Service NY Catering
- Aunt Mia's Sweets
- Auntie El's
- Baked by Angels
- Cake Decorating Parties
- Carousel Cakes
- Flour Buds
- Gypsy Donut
- Patisserie Didier Dumas
- Rockland Bakery
- The Pie Lady & Son
- Cookie Girl
The funds raised will go directly to provide breast care services to underserved women in Rockland County including clinical breast exams, digital mammography screenings, support, education and treatment.
Other participating events include the Union Restaurant ‘Dine for Blow Away Breast Cancer’ and the 5K Run for Blow Away Breast Cancer. More information on all events supporting the Blow Away Breast Cancer campaign can be found online at www.blowawaybreastcancer.org
The Nyack Hospital Breast Center provides a full range of screening and diagnostic services. There is also a breast health navigator who helps guide newly diagnosed breast cancer patients through the diagnostic, treatment, support, and education process. The Hospital is located at 160 North Midland Avenue in Nyack. For more information visit www.blowawaybreastcancer.org.
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