20th Anniversary Support-A-Walk Sunday at FDR Park
For the last 20 years, the first Sunday of October has become known as Support-A-Walk day in Yorktown as thousands mark their calendar to be at FDR State Park to celebrate the lives of those who have defeated breast or ovarian cancer or are courageously batting it, and honor those who lost their personal fight.
Support Connection Executive Director Katherine Quinn attended the first walk in honor of her friend Isabel, became a volunteer and has helped shape and expand the non-profit organization for the bulk of its existence.
Quinn stressed the three-mile walk, which kicks off sharply at 10 a.m., is the year’s largest fundraiser for Support Connection, thanks in part to the more than 200 volunteers that contribute to make it a success.
“I continue to be amazed at the outpouring of support from the community. We survive and thrive because of the diverse groups of people, businesses and organizations that believe in our mission,” Quinn said. “The Walk is symbolic for what we stand for. Like the Walk, the organization has grown by leaps and bounds but still has the warmth and personal approach that makes it so special. Being at the Walk is like being with your closest family and friends.”
Support Connection’s primary mission is to provide emotional, social and educational support services to women, their families and friends affected by breast and ovarian cancer. The support and services provided enables women to help each other and empowers them to become their own health care advocates.
What sets Support Connection apart from others is its professional peer counselors are cancer survivors and understand what it means to get that diagnosis. Through a toll-free number and website, Support Connection has reached women nationwide.
“Twenty years later, Support Connection has helped thousands of people,” Quinn said. “The Support-A-Walk and the people who give so much to make it a huge success have made this possible. The formula is so simple but so powerful. Passion plus caring people working together can really make a difference.”
Pre-walk activities and entertainment, including team photos, music and warm-up exercises, start at 9 a.m. There will also be a Survivors Welcome Area and various merchandise for sale from vendors. All the proceeds from the walk go right back into the services Support Connection offers.
“I feel so energized at the Walk, seeing people of all ages, joining together,” Quinn said. “I love seeing the cheerleaders, bands and community groups greeting our walkers. Everyone gets involved. There is good reason to have great enthusiasm about the walk.”
This year’s Walk Ambassadors are Andrea Della Mura and Judy Callahan. Honorary chairpersons are Kacey Morabito Grean, Linda Arond and Bill Powers. For more information on Support-A-Walk or to pre-register, which is recommended, visit www.supportconnection.org or call (914) 962-6402.
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/