Members of the New York State Senate Monroe County Delegation Secure Funding for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester

Members of the New York State Senate Monroe County Delegation, Senators Mike Nozzolio, Rich Funke, Catharine Young, Patrick Gallivan, Robert Ortt, Joseph Robach, Thomas O’Mara, and Michael Ranzenhofer, have announced that they have secured state funding for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, as part of the 2015-2016 New York State Budget.

The $200,000 state grant, administered by the New York State Department of Health, will help assist the Coalition with outreach to individuals impacted by breast cancer and help to provide expanded cancer services in the region.

Senator Mike Nozzolio (54th District) said, “The services provided by the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester are an invaluable resource to the people of our region. This critical funding will allow the Coalition to continue its efforts in the fight against breast cancer by supporting breast cancer patients and their families as they confront this terrible disease. By providing information about the importance of early detection, mammography services, physician referrals as well as insurance and local support groups, the Coalition can continue to educate the public on the importance of early detection and the need to promote breast cancer awareness. I was pleased to play a critical role in providing this funding to such a worthy organization.”

Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, Holly Anderson said, “There are no words that could possibly convey our deep gratitude for this funding. To have so many of our upstate senators fighting fiercely for families living in the aftermath of a breast cancer diagnosis, a disease that continues to take the lives of too many and impacts many more, is the stuff of ‘wildest dreams.’ For those of us in the trenches, nothing is more frustrating to hear than ‘I wish I had known about you sooner.’ This funding will provide us with the platform we need to reach those who have heard the life-changing words, ‘You have breast cancer,’ at a time when our programs and services will provide the maximum benefit. Breast cancer strikes deeply into our families and communities. Thank you to those Senators who helped to secure these funds that will allow us to reach those affected by this disease, and to support and empower them as they learn to navigate an often terribly difficult journey.”

Senator Rich Funke (55th District) said, “Cancer touches every family in some way and Breast Cancer is especially devastating because it impacts so many wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. That’s why the work done by the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is so vitally important. I’m proud to have partnered with our Delegation to deliver this additional funding and help the Coalition do even more to increase awareness, provide support, and ultimately save lives in our community.”

Senator Patrick Gallivan (59th District) said, “Like many people throughout our community, breast cancer has had a significant impact upon my life and my family. My wife is a breast cancer survivor, in part because of the incredible work of organizations such as the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.  I am proud to work with my Senate colleagues in securing funding to help the coalition provide important information and services to prevent, detect and fight this terrible disease and offer comfort and support to patients and their families.” 

Senator Tom O'Mara (58th District) said, “The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester does outstanding work to promote awareness, education and outreach across the Finger Lakes region, and we're grateful that this additional support will help enhance and expand these critical services for patients and their families. It's vital to the quality and strength of health care throughout our communities.”

Senator Robert Ortt (62nd District) said, “Breast cancer is a disease that touches everyone, and now this funding will ensure that those who turn to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester for help will have a multitude of services to assist them in their fight. Preventive detection is key to addressing potentially dangerous situations as early and effectively as possible while support services are critical to those impacted and their families. I’m proud my colleagues and I were able to join efforts, secure this money, and better serve those affected by cancer.”

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer (61st District) said, “According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. That is why this new $200,000 state grant for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is so important. Now, the Coalition will be able to serve more women in Monroe County and across our region.”

Senator Joseph Robach (56th District) said, “I have been proud to work closely with Holly Anderson and the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester for a number of years, and have seen the positive impact that they have on so many breast cancer patients and survivors, and their families. I know that the BCCR will make the most of this important funding, and will use it to continue their efforts to help those who are directly impacted by breast cancer in our community.”

Senator Catharine Young (57th District) said, “Great strides have been made in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer in recent years. But the fight against this deadly disease is far from over. This grant funding will support the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s mission to ensure that men and women in our community are living longer, healthier lives.”

Incorporated in 1997, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) has grown to a vibrant and strong community based organization. BCCR currently serves individuals in ten counties, including Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates. Last year alone, the BCCR served over 2,300 unique clients, with visits to the Coalition exceeding 4,500 people.

Currently, the BCCR is the only full scope community based breast cancer organization between Albany and Buffalo. The counties served by the BCCR have some of the highest rates of breast cancer in New York State.