Are you seeing pink? We are too and so are many others. We want to draw your attention to a cause that’s close to the hearts of many in our community. This month, you’ll notice that our flag, our masthead, will be printed in pink. It’s not just a change of color; it’s a symbol of solidarity with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is a formidable adversary, standing as the second leading cause of death among women. The statistics are sobering, with one in eight women facing a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, and more than 220,000 new cases projected annually in the United States alone, accompanied by over 40,000 tragic losses. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.
However, in the face of these alarming figures, there is hope. Since 1990, the death rate from breast cancer has been on a downward trajectory. The credit for this positive trend belongs to improved screening methods that enable earlier detection and, subsequently, more effective treatment options. This is at the heart of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: ensuring that women are aware of the disease, the importance of early screening, and the potential for recovery when detected early.
In our town, support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is nothing short of inspiring. As you go about town this month look for pink! A pink flag will be raised at Town Hall on Friday, October 6th at 9am. It will be followed by a community breakfast. Experts will be present to provide information on breast care and health. There are events throughout the month which can be found on BCA’s website.
Much of our awareness and support can be attributed to the remarkable work of the Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA). Founded in Greenwich in 1996 by Mary Waterman and five friends, the BCA emerged from Mary’s own battle with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. Her vision was to create a local organization that would not only raise awareness about the benefits of early detection but also generate funds for research and education.
Over the course of the more than 25 years, Breast Cancer Alliance has done much to educate Greenwich. Every April, it organizes a march down Greenwich Avenue as well as an annual golf outing. Not to be missed is the Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show on October 25th at Westchester Country Club.
The BCA’s impact is felt mightily throughout Fairfield County and in the medical community across the country. To date, they have raised and distributed more than $30 million, providing support through four types of grants: Young Investigator Grants, Breast Surgery Fellowships, and Education and Outreach Grants. A visit to their website reveals that these grants reach across the country, making a significant difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Yonni Wattenmaker, the Executive Director of the BCA, and her dedicated team deserve our heartfelt congratulations. Yonni, who is celebrating her 11th year with the BCA, has played a pivotal role in the organization’s success. Their slogan, “New Research. New Treatments. New Promise,” encapsulates the essence of their work. The BCA is a powerful force in the fight against breast cancer, making a national impact through investments in early-stage research, fellowships, education, and support.
We are privileged to live in a country that dedicates an entire month to raising awareness about breast cancer. We are also immensely grateful and proud of the Breast Cancer Alliance for their tireless efforts right here in our community and across the nation. Thank you for painting Greenwich pink this month. Your work is nothing short of extraordinary.
But let’s not confine our conversations and support to just this month. Breast cancer is a year-round battle. Let us pledge to keep the dialogue alive, to support those affected, and to contribute to the ongoing research that holds the promise of a brighter, cancer-free future for all.
