Hundreds of breast cancer survivors, family members, friends and supporters took the North Fork Breast Health Coalition’s 17th annual 5K walk Sunday morning at Tanger Outlets in Riverhead.
The event is a fundraiser for the coalition, which supports research to identify the causes of breast cancer and works to educate women about the importance of self-breast exams and annual mammograms as preventive measures. The organization conducts educational outreach programs at health fairs and other community forums and provides educational programs at local schools, churches, and civic organizations. It also provides direct support and services to breast cancer patients and survivors living on the North Fork. These include yoga, reflexology, massage therapy and a semi-monthly support group.
Tanger has hosted the 5K since its inception in 1998 and is committed to helping raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and support, said the Riverhead outlet mall’s general manager Janine Nebons.
Each fall, Tanger Outlets holds an annual “pink” campaign, which has raised millions for breast cancer research and support. Shoppers can purchase a $5 “pink cards” entitling them to 25-percent discounts at participating Tanger retailers. (There are 66 stores in the Riverhead outlet center participating this year.) The pink campaign continues through Oct. 31.
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 232,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States alone this year. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American women. In 2015, an estimated 40,290 women will die from the disease.
“We join together with prayers and hope, but now we do more than hope. Every day we are seeing advancements in detection and treatment,” State Senator Ken LaValle told the walk participants this morning.
“Breast cancer touches all of our lives,” Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo said.
Councilman John Dunleavy thanked Tanger Outlets for its support of the event, of the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and of many other charitable causes in the community.
Councilman James Wooten gave the invocation this morning, followed by a salute to the flag. The Mattituck High School NJROTC Color Guard presented the colors.
RiverheadLOCAL photos by Denise Civiletti
