Support Connection Holds Kickoff for Annual Walk
Since opening its doors 20 years ago, Support Connection has helped thousands of women and their families cope with the many concerns, questions and fears that accompany a diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer.
Two of those women, Jane Crossley and Dottie McHugh, are the proud ambassadors for the 2016 Support-A-Walk being held Sunday, October 2 at FDR Park in Yorktown, and they were on hand Monday morning at NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt for the kickoff event for the walk, which is the non-profit organization’s largest annual fundraiser.
“Support Connection is absolutely fabulous,” said Crossley, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2012 and reached out to a neighbor who was one of Support Connection’s Peer Counselors who had experienced cancer first-hand. “We were in such shock. You feel like you were hit by a bulldozer. She took away some of the fears and gave us such hope. Wherever you are on your journey, there’s always hope.”
Crossley has been in remission for four years and has been a regular attendee at Support-A-Walk ever since.
“You see how many people are there for the same reasons and you see so clearly that you’re not alone. It’s very powerful,” Crossley said. “I always wanted to give back to this wonderful organization and now I have the means to do it.”
McHugh was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 at the age of 38, just six months after her mother-in-law died from the disease she suffered with for 13 years. She and her family now raise funds for Support-A-Walk as “Ann’s Avengers,’ in honor of her mother-in-law.
“Their resources are amazing,” McHugh said of Support connection. “The staff is amazing. I never met anyone who didn’t have a smile on their face or a reassuring word. They help you through things you wouldn’t even think about. Huge things that make a difference. It’s my absolute pleasure to represent the walk and give back to them.”
Marisa Giuliano, Support Connection’s Development and Walk Coordinator, said the money raised at Support-A-Walk represents 40 percent of the funding the organization relies on annually. Even though the walk is held the first Sunday in October every year, donations can be made various ways until January.
“To this day our mission remains the same,” said Support Connection Executive Director Katherine Quinn. “We’re here to help people. Every dollar you put out will help a woman with breast or ovarian cancer.”
Marlene Stager, a Support Connection Peer Counselor, stressed the importance of financial contributions to ensure Support Connection’s free and confidential services will continue.
“Support Connection counselors understand because we have traveled that road,” Stager said. “We remain available throughout treatment and beyond. We provide a safe place for women to discuss their devastation, uncertainty and fear.”
NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital was the only hospital to initially greet Support Connection with open arms when it was first established, according to Quinn, and has been a consistent supporter. On Thursday, September 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., a “Cooking for Health” class for breast cancer survivors will be offered free of charge by Chef Emilie at the hospital.
To make a donation or learn more about Support-A-Walk, visit www.supportconnection.org, call (914) 962-6402 or send an email to walk@supportconnection.org.
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/