Breast Cancer Survivors, Family Members Invited to Attend a Community Forum to Improve Support Services
October 7, 2015
DANSVILLE – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th District) and the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) are working together to help support those who are battling the disease, honor survivors and remember those who lost their battle with breast cancer.
Senator Young and representatives from the BCCR will host a roundtable forum with survivors and their families to learn what support resources are available and what more can be done to assist those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The forum will be held Thursday, October 15 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Dansville Public Library, 200 Main Street in Dansville.
“Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, so this month is a perfect time to learn more about how those battling the disease receive necessary support during their illness and what more can be done to help them. Early detection is key. But when someone has received a diagnosis they often have many questions and need additional assistance. We can do more and this forum will provide the representatives from the BCCR with important insight from those who have been through a diagnosis firsthand,” said Senator Young.
“The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester provides a tremendous array of resources, and I was happy to provide them with additional state assistance in this year’s budget. The best way they can help those in need is by hearing from survivors and the families of those who lost loved ones about what additional support mechanisms need to be put in place.”
One in eight women in the United States will face breast cancer during their lifetime and an estimated three million American women are survivors of the disease.
Last year, the BCCR served over 2,300 unique clients from across the region, with visits to the Coalition exceeding 4,500 people. Since its founding in 1997, the organization has grown into a community-based organization that’s proven its effectiveness in assisting area residents.
Pre-registration for the event is strongly encouraged as seating is limited. Those wishing to attend the forum can pre-register by contacting Senator Young’s district office at 1-800-707-0058.
“I look forward to joining everyone for this important discussion. Together we can help build a network of survivors,” Senator Young said.
Earlier this year, Senator Young and her Senate Republican colleagues secured a $200,000 state health grant for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to help the organization expand their outreach to those in need in the community.