Breast Cancer Awareness, Fundraising Events Set for October

The White House got a pink glow in Washington, D.C. People painted their pumpkins pink in Calvert, Md., and women donated art made of bras in Orange City, Fla. In Pennsylvania, first lady Susan Corbett turned the fountain pink in Harrisburg. And they did it all last year in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This October promises to bring even more colorful and thoughtful events and opportunities.

“Clearly, every person who brings attention to the cause is fantastic,” said Terry Music, chief mission delivery officer for the American Cancer Society.

Groups of women are getting together and survivors are reaching out to each other on social networks. Children are helping out, too, by pitching tents and filling water bottles at fundraisers in Tampa and serving pink lemonade from homemade stands in Philadelphia. Neighbors in Little Neck, N.Y., gather for a block party.

Men are participating, too, and in Connecticut, they are hosting a dance – no ties needed! In Virginia, men’s soccer and volleyball teams suit up in pink for special games.

There are hundreds of breast cancer awareness walks and runs around the country, plus marathons and a plethora of exercise-related events. Then there are the tea parties, luncheons, golf tournaments, masquerade balls, art shows, motorcross and motorcycle rides and concerts.

A Winter Park, Fla., hospital is raising money for the cause by selling pink plastic flamingos, which are popping up in yards all over town. An exhibit in Illinois is spotlighting survivors and family members through visual art.

And, of course, let’s not forget the high heel races going on around the world in support of breast cancer awareness, like the Stiletto Stampede for the Cure in Houston.

Long Island events

• In Stony Brook, the annual , beginning with registration at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 2 at the , supports research and amenities for breast cancer patients.
• A charity workout session and barbeque event called is set for Oct. 29 at .
• In Port Jefferson, the will take place Oct. 1 from 7 a.m. until noon at 537 High Street in Port Jefferson.
• An all-day fundraiser called at Whitman Hollow Park in Commack on Oct. 8 will support a local woman with breast cancer whose family is facing mounting medical bills
• A at 10 a.m. at in St. James on Oct. 16 will benefit the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition.
• In Rocky Point, a at Backstreets Dance Center, set for 7 p.m. on Oct. 21, will benefit the Susan G. Koman for a Cure foundation.
• The community's efforts to support breast cancer patients do not stop in October, with the at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park scheduled for Nov. 20 at 9 a.m.

To our readers:
Are you a survivor? Do you have a story to share? Patch wants to give you a place to inspire and encourage each other. Send us your photos of those 5ks, pink parties, dog walks and luncheons. Heading to get a mammogram with your friend, sister, coworker or daughter? Snap a photo before you go, and send it our way!