Kingston - American Cancer Society-funded researchers helped discover the mammogram, Tamoxifen and Herceptin - all powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer. But there is more work to be done and the American Cancer Society knows the Hudson Valley is up to the challenge. This year, to mark the 15th anniversary of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, the American Cancer Society encourages Hudson Valley residents to join the $1 Million Challenge. Every donation will fund critical research projects that could result in a breakthrough leading to less diagnosis and reducing the number of deaths per year and local patient and family service programs.
This year, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks, non-competitive 5K events, will be held at two Hudson Valley sites on Sunday, October 17th. The walks will be held at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley and Dutchess Stadium in Wappingers Falls.
"If 10,000 people raise $100 the American Cancer Society would have $1 million to provide resources such as rides to treatment and peer-to-peer support groups as well as fund breast cancer research and programs to educate women about the importance of mammograms," said Lillian Jones, regional vice president for the Hudson Valley region of the American Cancer Society. "Last year, 7,000 walkers raised more than $700,000, so the $1 million mark is within reach. The Hudson Valley’s generosity would be a huge boost in our efforts to make strides towards a world with less cancer and more birthdays."
More than 209,000 men and women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and more than 40,000 will die from the disease. In the Hudson Valley, nearly 1,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and nearly 200 will die from the disease. Every dollar raised represents an accomplishment in the fight against this disease as well as the community spirit to help neighbors in need.
To join the challenge, go to www.cancer.org/stridesonline and start a team or make a donation. For more information about the American Cancer Society’s programs and services go to cancer.org or call 1.800.227.2345.
The American Cancer Society, the largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. They help people by preventing cancer or detecting it early; by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; and by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more or to get help, call any time, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org
