Ambassadors Announced for Local Cancer Walk

July 11, 2012 - PRLog -- Support Connection, Inc. announces the selection of two Walk Ambassadors for their 18th Annual Support-A-Walk which will take place on Sunday, October 7, 2012 (rain or shine) at FDR Park, Route 202, Yorktown Heights, NY. The Ambassadors, who are cancer survivors, represent the spirit and purpose of the Support-A-Walk. This annual event is held to bring attention to the needs of people affected by breast and ovarian cancer and to raise funds for Support Connection’s free, confidential services to those affected by these diseases.

DANA BOULANGER OF LINCOLNDALE, NY has participated in the Support-A-Walk since 2001, shortly after completing her treatments for breast cancer. She was 40 years old and a single mom when she discovered a lump in her breast that turned out to be cancer. Dana says it was a time filled with anxiety and fear. Her doctor suggested she contact Support Connection for emotional support. Dana made that call and found a support group which helped her tremendously as she faced difficult courses of chemotherapy and radiation. She also tried Support Connection’s yoga and meditation programs, and found them to be invaluable as she coped with the stress and life changes a cancer diagnosis brings. These experiences led Dana to learn all she could about nutrition and holistic approaches to health. As a result, she became a Co-Publisher of Natural Awakenings Magazine, Westchester and Putnam, which focuses on natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, creative expression, personal growth and sustainable living.

Dana has given her time and talents to Support Connection for many years. Through her magazine, she promotes the organization’s events and services. She has also raised thousands of dollars for the Support-A-Walk. Each year she walks with teams made up of friends, family members, co-workers and other supporters. In 2011, Dana partnered with several other business women to form a group called the Small Business Advisory Board. They held a wine tasting party to benefit the Walk and raised $3,000; they plan to repeat the event this year. In addition to being a Walk Ambassador Dana is Support Connection’s 2012 Humanitarian of the Year. She is delighted to serve in these roles: “I want to do everything I can to let people know how critical is it to raise funds to keep Support Connection and its programs running,” says Dana. “Emotional and spiritual support are so important to recovery from cancer, and so hard to find. The peer support offered by Support Connection is truly unique and incredibly valuable.”

BRENDA MAXWELL OF FISHKILL, NY was involved with Support Connection long before she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2010. A former Yorktown resident, Brenda began attending the Support-A-Walk the first or second year it was held. Initially she and other family members walked in honor of her mother who had ovarian cancer 30 years ago. Later, they also walked for two other family members who had breast cancer. So, after Brenda completed her own surgery for ovarian cancer, she knew where to call for support. She admits that making that first call was hard to do; with so many fears and emotions weighing her down, she burst into tears the minute she heard a voice on the other end. But she was immediately connected with a Support Connection Peer Counselors who offered comfort, reassurance and valuable information. That help continued as Brenda received an info packet a few days later and remained in touch with the counselors whenever she needed to.

Brenda has been very active with Support Connection for the past few years, participating in a support group as well as numerous educational programs. She says these services have been essential to her throughout her treatments and recovery. To give back, Brenda is a community outreach volunteer for the organization; she’s especially eager to share information about ovarian cancer to help people learn about the often-subtle symptoms. After going through months of uncertainty herself, with her diagnosis was almost missed; she wants to help other women avoid this. Brenda uses her Support-A-Walk fundraising as a way to raise awareness. Last year, her team Teal Ribbons reached many people and raised $2,500. In addition to being a Walk Ambassador, Brenda was presented with one of Support Connection’s Beacon of Light Awards this year. She’s making the most of these opportunities: “It’s so important to me to promote the Walk so Support Connection can continue the good work they do,” Brenda says. “Plus, since so many people don’t know much about ovarian cancer, I’m grateful for this chance to be that face, the person they can learn from.”

Registration and donations are now being accepted for the Support-A-Walk. To learn more or to participate visit http://www.supportconnection.org or call 914-962-6402.