Westfield Women Walk for Two Days for Breast Cancer Awareness

The group "Pink Links" was formed four years ago with just six women who walked in Washington, D.C. for Breast Cancer Awareness, by this year, the group has grown to 20 women who participated in the Avon Walk last Saturday and Sunday.

The ladies have raised more than $60,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness over the years.

The Westfield women began their walk early Saturday morning (Oct. 18) on Pier 84 in Manhattan, where they continued their walk for 12 hours; they covered 26 miles in one day. On Sunday, they started at Randall’s Island and walked throughout downtown Manhattan, uptown, around Central Park and back to Pier 84, where charities and hospitals were presented checks from the fundraising endeavors.

“Our experience was incredible,” Helene Coustav of Pink Links said. “Blisters and aches and pains - but it's not cancer!”

Amy Rollins, who leads Pink Links, decided to expand this year’s walk into New York City so more women could participate. The group’s friend, Hillary Kaplan, is currently battling Breast Cancer and they walked in support of her and other special women in their lives.


In addition to raising awareness about Breast Cancer itself, the ladies also promote the importance of self-exams. Kaplan herself found a lump in her breast due to self-examination.

“ I realized quickly that I wasn’t fighting cancer alone – I was provided the most amazing and humbling outpouring of community support, from our neighbors, our wonderful group of Westfield lady friends (Pink Links), and our family including my husband and 3 children (ages 9-14),” Kaplan said in a statement.  “I continue to feel fortunate for my support network every day. The best medicine (in addition to the Chemo!) is knowing you have people who care about you.”