Walk, Yoga, Party and Buy Bras for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The White House got a pink glow in Washington, D.C. People painted their pumpkins pink in Calvert, Md., and women donated art made of bras in Orange City, Fla. In Pennsylvania, first lady Susan Corbett turned the fountain pink in Harrisburg. And they did it all last year in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In Yorktown Heights, thousands of families and friends from all over the Hudson Valley walked three miles in pink and white Support Connection shirts to raise awareness.

This October promises to bring even more colorful and thoughtful events and opportunities. ’s walk-a-thon this Sunday is expected to bring thousands to again in support of cancer awareness.

"The Walk is amazing," said Fishkill resident Brenda Maxwell, who was diagnosed with cancer last year. Maxwell had participated in the walk for years, never thinking she would be diagnosed and walking for herself. "If you've never done it, I encourage you to come. The camaraderie and the hope and the feeling you get is just amazing. Everybody has been touched by cancer in some way."

"Clearly, every person who brings attention to the cause is fantastic,” said Terry Music, chief mission delivery officer for the American Cancer Society.

Groups of women are getting together and survivors are reaching out to each other on social networks. Children are helping out, too, by pitching tents and filling water bottles at fundraisers in Tampa and serving pink lemonade from homemade stands in Philadelphia. Neighbors in Little Neck, N.Y., gather for a block party.

Men are participating, too, and in Connecticut, they are hosting a dance — no ties needed! In Virginia, men’s soccer and volleyball teams suit up in pink for special games.

There are hundreds of breast cancer awareness walks and runs around the country, plus marathons and a plethora of exercise-related events. Then there are the tea parties, luncheons, golf tournaments, masquerade balls, art shows, motorcross and motorcycle rides and concerts.

A Winter Park, Fla., hospital is raising money for the cause by selling pink plastic flamingos, which are popping up in yards all over town. An exhibit in Illinois is spotlighting survivors and family members through visual art.

And, of course, let’s not forget the high heel races going on around the world in support of breast cancer awareness, like the Stiletto Stampede for the Cure in Houston.

Local Breast Cancer Awareness Events:

-The 17^th Annual Support-A-Walk

Sunday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m.

FDR Park in Yorktown Heights

Support Connection has been raising awareness of breast and ovarian cancer for almost two decades and has had tremendous success. Thousands turn out for the annual walk-a-thon each year and raise money for the cause.

-Meet with local organization and contribute to the mission

Sunday, Oct. 2, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendor tables (Route 6 and South Lake Boulevard to Cherry Lane) before and during the Columbus Day Parade in Mahopac

Years ago, Putnam resident Amy Sayegh, the organization's founder, was diagnosed with breast cancer. While she was undergoing chemotherapy, she came up with an idea: A group dedicated to provided support to families who have a loved one battling cancer. Since 2007, she and a ton of volunteers have been delivering food, running errands and finding other ways to lend a hand to those in need.

-Holistic Healing at Hudson Yoga

Sunday, Oct. 2, 4 p.m.

Hudson Yoga in Croton-on-Hudson

The perfect way to stretch out those muscles after a three-mile walk. Hudson Yoga is offering free yoga classes to people diagnosed with cancer and survivors. The first class will be held Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. and will be held every week at the same time.  

-2nd Annual NYC Breast Cancer Fundraiser

Thursday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.

241 West 14 St., New York, NY

This event is for the swanky supporters of breast cancer awareness. It features entertainment, art installation, a live tattoo station and a specialty open bar. Find more information here.

-Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Sunday, Oct. 16, 8 a.m.

2900 Purchase St., Purchase, NY
The largest breast cancer event in New York and New Jersey raised more than $18 million last year for the American Cancer Society to help women pay and deal with cancer treatments and to help find a cure.

-Attend Community Cares' Biggest Fundraiser: A Dinner Gala & Silent Auction 

Thursday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m.

Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, Mahopac, NY
Folks will get to hear a survivor's story, and meet two great Putnam businesses who are dedicated to make life easier for families dealing with the disease. There will be music, raffles and more. Tickets are $80 per person, $150 per couple and $750 per table. Call 845-621-2273 for more information.

-Bras for Breast Cancer

Oct. 19, 21, 22

Nodstrom at The Westchester Mall, White Plains

Nordstrom at The Westchester will be holding a bra fitting event where $2 from every bra purchased will be donated to the local chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

-Le Petite Spa Proceeds to Support Connection

Month of October

1 Baltic Place, Suite 104, Croton-on-Hudson

In celebration of its second anniversary, Le Petite Spa will be donating 10 percent of every sale in October to the Support Connection of Yorktown.

Share Your Story with Patch

Are you a survivor? Do you have a story to share? Patch wants to give you a place to inspire and encourage each other. Send us your photos of those 5ks, pink parties, dog walks and luncheons. Heading to get a mammogram with your friend, sister, coworker or daughter? Snap a photo before you go, and send it our way!

You can email the photos to me at Ashley.Tarr@patch.com.

Or, just add the photos to this article (click “add your photos & videos,” found beneath the photo above)!