27th Anniversary “5K Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness” Benefits Local Patients

Riverhead – The North Fork Breast Health Coalition is holding the 27th Anniversary “5K
Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness” on Sunday, September 28. The fundraiser takes place
at Tanger Riverhead, which sponsors the event. Participants can pre-register through the
NFBHC website or register from 7:30-8:45 AM that morning. The walk begins at 9 AM
and is over by 11 AM.
The registration fee to participate in the 5K Walk is $30 if paid by September 20 and $35 if
paid after that date or on the day of the event. The first 300 entrants will receive a gift bag.
Walkers are encouraged to gather pledges of support from friends, family and colleagues.
Top fundraising awards will be given in the following categories: Young Adult (ages 13-
19 years old), Adult, Breast Cancer Survivor and Business/Team. Team captains must
register team members, send in names and registration fees by September 20, and submit
pledge money on the morning of the event.
From 7:30-8:45 AM, registrants can enjoy breakfast that includes coffee, tea and juice with
muffins, granola bars and fruit. They can also buy raffle tickets for dozens of valuable
prizes donated by Tanger Outlet stores. The opening ceremony starts at 8:45 AM with
greetings from Lesley Anthony, Marketing Director, Tanger.
“The annual 5K walk at Tanger Riverhead brings together breast cancer patients, survivors
and thrivers, community members, elected officials and leaders in the breast cancer
community. Tanger has partnered with us on the walk for the past 26 years and
secures numerous gift baskets and other high-end items for the raffle. Proceeds from the
walk help pay for the free services we offer to breast cancer patients and support our Lend
A Helping Hand grant program,” said NFBHC President Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski.
Although it is possible to sign up that day for the race, registration in advance is
recommended. To obtain more information, call 631-208-8889, e-mail
nfbreasthealth@gmail.com or visit northforkbreasthealth.org/events, where you can
1register online or choose a sponsorship, ranging from $150 for Pink Ribbon to $1,200 for
Pink Sneaker.
So far, this year’s top sponsors or “Pink Sneaker Sponsors” are: Bernadette Tuthill, Esq.,
partner at Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin and Quartararo, LLP; Connie Hayes –
Losing is not an option; Joseph Duva, MD; Kleinfeld Bridal; M&T Bank; natera;
Riverhead Central Faculty Association; Wendy’s Deli; and The Simmons Point Group of
Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC. Riverhead Building Supply is a “Kilometer Sponsor” and
Cohen’s Fashion Optical in Riverhead is a “T-Shirt Sponsor.”
Currently led by Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski, the all-volunteer, non-profit organization
supports local breast-cancer patients with programs such as the Helping Hand grants.
NFBHC also hosts an annual seminar on “integrative approaches to breast cancer
treatment” and funds Stage IV research at select laboratories.
Proceeds from the 5K Walk allow NFBHC to continue to provide free services including
gentle yoga, massage therapy, reflexology and “Strength for Life” exercise to breast-cancer
patients, survivors and thrivers who are also invited to periodic retreats where they can
spend time together. In addition, they have access to the Rita Duva Boutique that offers
free wigs, scarves, hats and prosthetics.
For more information about the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and the services that
the organization provides to breast-cancer patients and survivors who reside in the North
Fork area, visit www.northforkbreasthealth.org. Ann Cotton-DeGrasse and the late
Antonio DeGrasse founded the North Fork Breast Health Coalition with the help of
Riverhead Rotary in 1998.