Locals Support Breast Cancer Fundraising

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.

For Rose Colonna it was seeing her aunt's diagnosis, battle, and ultimate survival of the disease that led her to devote a portion of sales in her Bedford store each October to the local advocacy and support group,

"I like supporting a local group—and this one is so caring and helpful," said Colonna, proprieter of at 16 Banksville Avenue. For the entire month of October, part of the proceeds from sales of her custom gift baskets go toward the Yorktown-based group.

Additionally, Colonna is partnering with Katie Goldberg of in Bedford to host another fundraiser next Sat. Oct. 22 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

The open house event will showcase women vinters and offer a sample of Colonna's food to guests.

Nationally, efforts have raised millions toward researching a cure.

There’s the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, which has raised about $400 million and has about seven million walkers in its events.

There’s the Susan G. Komen For the Cure® and Race for the Cure® events, which include more than 140 foot races and 1.6 million participants on four continents.

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

There’s the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which was founded by Janelle Hail 30 years ago. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s, Hail had a mastectomy at 34. There was not nearly as much information available then. “Every word beyond, ‘You have breast cancer,’ was a blur,” she said.

Hail had three young sons, and she was terrified.

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.

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition works with a network of grassroots partners. “This elite group of volunteers helps to raise awareness and donations… in every corner of the state in every way imaginable,” said Pat-Halpin-Murphy, president and founder of the coalition. She said many people know someone who has been affected by the disease. “Because of this, they are driven to fight and help find a cure for breast cancer now so our daughters won’t have to.”