For the month of October, the masthead of the Greenwich Sentinel will be printed in pink. This is no mere alteration in design. It’s a symbol, a reminder of the ongoing fight against breast cancer—a disease that continues to claim the lives of thousands of women every year. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time not just for awareness, but for action—an urgent demand that we address the facts and act decisively.
The statistics are staggering. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In the United States alone, more than 220,000 women are expected to be diagnosed each year, with over 40,000 deaths annually. These numbers tell the story of a crisis that touches nearly every family in this country.
However, there is a hopeful counter-narrative to this tragedy. Since 1990, mortality rates from breast cancer have been steadily declining. This is not by accident, but through progress in early detection and advancing treatment options. Screening is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. The mission of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, therefore, is not merely to inform, but to compel women to take action and undergo early screening—because early intervention saves lives.
Greenwich has embraced this mission with a visible commitment to raising awareness. From the pink flag raised at Town Hall on October 1st to the “Go for Pink” placards displayed in store windows along Greenwich Avenue, the town is awash in reminders of this cause. These efforts are a testament to the dedication of the Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA), a powerhouse organization founded in Greenwich in 1996 by Mary Waterman and five visionary friends.
The origins of the BCA lie in a story of courage. Diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, Waterman sought to create a local force capable of both raising awareness and funding groundbreaking research. In the nearly three decades since, the BCA has not only met these goals but has expanded its reach far beyond our town.
Their fundraising efforts are remarkable, having distributed well over $30 million in grants, making a profound impact nationwide. The BCA supports four categories of grants: Young Investigator Grants, Breast Surgery Fellowships, and Education and Outreach Grants. These investments are transforming the future of breast cancer treatment and making significant strides in education and prevention.
The work of the BCA is not limited to high-profile events like their annual 5K Race For Hope, golf outings, or the much-anticipated luncheon and fashion show later this month. Their impact is felt in the laboratories where researchers labor to find new treatments, and in the hospitals where early diagnosis is made possible through their grants. The tireless efforts of Executive Director Yonni Wattenmaker and her team deserve our deepest admiration and gratitude.
“New Research. New Treatments. New Promise.” This slogan encapsulates the BCA’s mission, as it drives national progress from its roots here in Greenwich. Yet, the work is far from over. The promise is not yet fully realized, but it is within our grasp.
As we print our masthead in pink, we do so not merely as a token of solidarity, but as a call to action for our community. The conversation about breast cancer must not be limited to October; it must persist year-round. Our awareness must translate into action—through donations, advocacy, and, most importantly, ensuring that women receive the screenings that will save their lives
The Breast Cancer Alliance has turned Greenwich pink this month. It’s our responsibility to keep the cause alive beyond October. The fight against breast cancer demands not just our attention, but our sustained commitment.
