Fundraisers Band Together to Fight Breast Cancer

When it comes to fund-raising efforts for breast cancer causes, it’s the passion, the sisterhood, the tireless efforts and the pink tidal wave that seems to push millions of volunteers into action.

The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has raised about $400 million and has about seven million walkers in its events. The Susan G. Komen For the Cure® and Race for the Cure® events include more than 140 foot races and 1.6 million participants on four continents.

Then, there’s the Avon Foundation for Women, with the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, which have raised $700 million for education, research, screening, diagnostics and access to treatment.

Locally, the nonprofit organization Hot Pink Housewives has also been drumming up support for breast cancer research. The group was started by Lisa Savastano Russo last summer in honor of her friend, MaryAnn Bischoff-Nespolini, who battled breast cancer for seven years.  The core members of the Housewives are all long-time friends of Russo, who live in Westchester and wanted to support their friend and the cause.

Although Bischoff-Nespolini lost her battle with cancer in September, her legacy has only fueled the organization's fundraising zeal.

"We're getting back into the swing of things," said Russo.

The group's fundraising efforts will kick off on Dec. 2 at the Harrison Wine Vault from 7-9 p.m.  For a $15 donation at the door, participants will receive a raffle ticket, wine, appetizers and goodie bags.  

The Housewives held a fundraiser at Chocolations in Mamaroneck in February that raised approximately $1,500 for three cancer charities: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Cancer Treatment Centers of America through Assistance in Healthcare.

They also teamed up with Paula’s Boody Brigade, another homegrown breast cancer organization, by participating in the Avon 2-Day Walk NYC in October. 

The Pelham-based company has pledged to give $10,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The company will give 50 percent of the proceeds from its pink-themed line of customizable e-mail stationery to the research foundation until it reaches its goal.

Sharon Gaffney, one of the founders of MeebleMail, said the decision was made to donate to breast cancer research because everyone involved with the company has had friend or family member affected by the disease.

“We don’t have a cure yet, so it’s important that we keep trying until we do,” Gaffney said. “You have to pick and choose what causes you want to support and until we find a cure for this, this is a cause that is important to us and a lot of women.”

Donna Elmer, a member of the Junior League of Pelham, said the organization is participating in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event at Manhattanville College on Oct. 16. Elmer said the Junior League has been a regular participant of the event during the past few years.

Elmer also expects other Junior League members to form their own teams for the fundraiser.

“It fits our mission, which is to help children and women,” Elmer said. “Two of our members have had breast cancer, so it’s a personal issue for some.”

Elmer said people who want to support the Junior League during Making Strides Against Breast Cancer can do so by going here.

Breast cancer awareness spreads

Texas native Janelle Hail founded the National Breast Cancer Foundation 30 years ago after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s.

There was not nearly as much information available then and Hail, who had three young sons, was terrified.

“Every word beyond, ‘You have breast cancer,’ was a blur,” she said.

She later fulfilled her dream of helping others – in millions of ways. Donations to the NBCF’s Pink Ribbon Challenge go to programs that benefit women: namely free mammograms at hospitals, clinics, missions and mobile clinics.

Radio listeners participate in the Pink Ribbon Challenge by going to their station’s website during October and clicking on the pink ribbon to give to the cause.