Assembly Resolution No. 717

BY: M. of A. Bronson

COMMENDING the Breast Cancer Coalition of
Rochester upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th
Anniversary in July of 2023

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester upon the occasion of
its 25th Anniversary in July of 2023; and

WHEREAS, For 25 years, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has
served the community and those touched by breast or gynecologic cancer
to empower informed decision-making through education, support,
research, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, All programs and services are free of charge for those
struggling with these specific cancers and the Breast Cancer Coalition
of Rochester continually funds research; they follow their Coalition
Pillar of prioritized research areas, including: cause, prevention,
prevention of metastasis, and cure; and

WHEREAS, Formally organizing as a not-for-profit organization in
1997, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester began humbly with 13
breast cancer survivors meeting at the home of Sylvia Cappellino; in
January of 1998, the organization officially received their IRS
Determination letter and the Board of Directors met for the first time;
and

WHEREAS, In 2000, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester opened
their first office in the heart of Rochester, on Park Avenue; shortly
after its opening, Holly Anderson began her tenure as the Executive
Director of the Coalition; and

WHEREAS, The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester's first annual
walk and run was held on Mother's Day in 2002; at first called Heart and
Sole, the event was re-named the Pink Ribbon Walk and Run in 2004 to
become the Coalition's signature event throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, Upon moving to University Avenue, the Breast Cancer
Coalition of Rochester's Breast Cancer Research Initiative awarded its
first $25,000 grant to Mesut Muyan, PhD, a University of Rochester
researcher; and

WHEREAS, The first annual Terri Schmitt Legislative Reception was
held in September of 2003, to recognize the importance of collaborating
with Legislators on matters that make a difference for cancer survivors,
laying a strong foundation for the Breast Cancer Coalition of
Rochester's Advocacy Committee; in 2004, the first annual Cindy

Dertinger Advanced Breast Cancer Seminar: Tools for the Journey was
held, addressing Metastatic Disease; and

WHEREAS, A landmark victory for Coalition Advocates, in March of
2005, the 48-hour Neighbor Notification Law in Monroe County was passed;
the Law requires prior written notification to the owners of adjacent
properties before commercially sprayed pesticide applications; and

WHEREAS, As a way to improve the lives of patients, the Breast
Cancer Coalition of Rochester began holding yoga classes in 2005, later
more evidence-based movement programs were established such as Qi Gong,
Tai Chi, Reiki, Feldenkrais, Pilates, Fluid Motion, and Mindfulness;
another way patients can find some relief is through support groups, the
Coalition's Young Survivor Gatherings is a networking group for young
breast cancer survivors; and

WHEREAS, Originally an informal program, the Peer Advocates Lending
Support (PALS) Program is a training session for peer mentors; this
program occurs annually and there are over 200 PALS matches a year; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, the Advisory Council was formed to collaborate
with community experts who possessed specific knowledge and skills; the
Coalition became active in the community, they made a substantial
financial contribution to the installation of a mammography unit to the
Anthony Jordan Health Center and advocated for the passage of New York's
medical marijuana bill to allow cancer survivors access to a botanical
remedy to alleviate pain; and

WHEREAS, After holding a series of focus groups, the Breast Cancer
Coalition of Rochester opened its support programs to gynecologic cancer
survivors in January of 2014; and

WHEREAS, Serving 27 counties today, the Breast Cancer Coalition of
Rochester expanded their reach in 2016 to further serve the community;
also this year, they moved facilities again to their current location at
University Avenue; and

WHEREAS, The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has high ethical
standards and always strive to better their organization; in 2018, they
were selected as the recipient of the Ethie Award by the Rochester Area
Business Ethics Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Remaining open throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Breast
Cancer Coalition of Rochester truly cares about breast and gynecologic
cancer survivors and has surpassed $1 million in the provision of
funding and regional researchers since the program's inception; and

WHEREAS, This year, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has
taken the pink color of the ribbon for their annual Pink Ribbon Walk and
Run, and has combined it with teal in support of gynecologic cancer
survivors; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves;
and


WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Breast
Cancer Coalition of Rochester has demonstrated the value of continuing
the fight against breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester upon the occasion of
celebrating its 25th Anniversary in July of 2023; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.