Serino Stands WITH Miles of Hope

SERINO STANDS WITH MILES OF HOPE

Announces $20,000 for Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Initiatives

Poughkeepsie, NY—With Breast Cancer Awareness Month just around the corner, Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) joined local officials and the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation at a press conference in Poughkeepsie today to kick-off their awareness campaign by announcing that she successfully secured $20,000 to help bolster the organization’s outreach initatives.

Specifically, the funding will be used for the Medical Gap Care program, which provides financial assistance to people in treatment in Dutchess and Putnam Counties with a financial emergency not covered by insurance.

“Unfortunately, almost everyone knows someone whose life has been forever changed by breast cancer,” said Senator Serino.  “Through the Medical Gap Care program, this funding will not only help cover the costs of financial emergencies during treatment, but it will help individuals maintain a semblance of the life they knew before cancer started calling the shots. I am incredibly proud to be able to helpMiles of Hope carry out their unique mission and to provide patients in our area with the support they need to help them on the path to recovery.”

Founded in 2004, Miles of Hope is a nonprofit organization started with the mission of funding support services for people affected by breast cancer in the Hudson Valley, including those in Dutchess and Putnam Counties—areas represented by Serino. 

According to the organization, since its founding, Miles of Hope has given away over $1.2 million to programs and has funded outreach and education that directly serves our neighbors, family, and friends affected by this devastating disease.

Pari Forood, Miles of Hope Executive Director, said "Thanks to Senator Serino for recognizing all of the important work that Miles of Hope does for people in treatment for breast cancer here in the Hudson Valley. We are indebted to her for this important and welcome allocation."

Following brief announcements by local officials and Miles of Hope Founders, Dana Effron and Cathy Varunok, volunteers and breast cancer survivors took the opportunity to walk around the block surrounding the city municipal buildings to highlight the fact that reducing stress and adopting healthy habits can help individuals reduce their risk of cancer.

Senator Serino echoed the same point saying, “I know first-hand what stress can do to your health. I thank Miles of Hope for helping to raise awareness in our community about how important it is to reduce stress, listen to your body and remain vigilant when it comes to signs and symptoms.”

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Medical Gap Care program, upcoming events and unique programs and services, please visit milesofhope.org.

####