Hillsborough, Dance For The Cure Tie Pink Ribbons To Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — On Wednesday morning, Mayor John Ciccarelli and Committeeman Robert Britting, Jr. joined members of Dance for the Cure, Hillsborough Police, and Hillsborough Township Employees to tie pink ribbons around the Municipal Complex to help promote breast cancer awareness.

Members of Dance for the Cure were also in attendance at the Sept. 25 Township Committee meeting, where they were presented with a proclamation recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"While breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women, both men and women should be aware that age, genetics, and family history are factors that can contribute to the risk of developing this disease. The awareness campaign encourages individuals to help reduce their risk of breast cancer through regular self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms, which are vital since treatments are most effective when breast cancer is detected early," according to the proclamation.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that in the United States, more than 316,950 (female) and 2,800 (male) will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year.

Kathleen Cirioli, a three-time cancer survivor, and Joanne Liscovitz are co-founders of Dance for the Cure, a non-profit organization that has helped local families impacted by breast cancer.

Dance for the Cure is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting residents of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties as they undergo breast cancer treatment. The organization has gifted more than $1.3 million since its founding in 1999.

"We urge all women and their families to increase their knowledge about breast cancer and join us in celebrating successes and memorializing lost battles," according to the proclamation.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.