Senator Helming Partners with Local Agencies for Breast Cancer Awareness

Senator Pam Helming is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month and helping to raise awareness of this devastating disease. This year, Senator Helming led an effort with the support of several of her Senate colleagues to secure $200,000 for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. This important funding allows BCCR to continue its outreach to those impacted by breast cancer and provide expanded cancer services throughout Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, and Wayne counties.

“The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is an outstanding organization that provides a wide array of services to individuals touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer. Executive Director Holly Anderson and her team are tremendous partners for our community and tireless advocates for breast cancer patients and their families. I was so proud that my Senate colleagues joined me in supporting this fantastic organization, and I am confident that this money will help the Coalition serve those who need it most,” Senator Helming said.
 

BCCR has been able to expand its outreach throughout the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region through programs such as Gentle Yoga, Mindfulness & Meditation, Breast Cancer 101, the Peer Advocates Lending Support (PALS) peer mentor program, evening educational seminars, and support and networking groups. As one of the only full-scope, community-based breast cancer organizations in the Finger Lakes region, BCCR serves 10 counties, including Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, and Wayne Counties.

“Breast cancer continues to devastate women, men, and their families throughout the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. But now, thanks to Senator Pam Helming and her Senate colleagues, those in the aftermath of a breast cancer diagnosis living in smaller communities throughout the region have been able to participate in a variety of programming carried into their districts. These programs now draw closer those living in ten counties of Upstate New York, thus survivors of breast and gynecologic cancers no longer need to travel to large urban areas for support and education services. Thanks to the deep commitment of our Senators, we have been able to provide relief to those already under a great deal of stress from their treatments,” said Holly Anderson, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.

Senator Helming was also proud to support a bill to require insurance companies in New York State to cover 3-D mammography. This will help catch the disease earlier. Additionally, she and her colleagues approved a resolution that awarded $283,000 to the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program, an organization that provides emotional support and information to people going through or impacted by breast cancer.

Senator Helming also wants to highlight the Cancer Services Program of Ontario, Seneca, Wayne and Yates Counties. Through the State Department of Health, this organization provides free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings to men and women who do not have health insurance or whose health insurance does not cover screenings, who cannot pay for these screenings, who meet income eligibility requirements, and who live in New York State.

“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we remember those we have lost to breast cancer and pay tribute to the survivors who continue the fight against this horrible disease. However, breast cancer is something we should be thinking about all year long, and we must work together to support those going through treatment and help find a cure. I encourage all women to get screened and discuss breast cancer with their doctors. I will continue to advocate for those suffering from breast cancer and their families,” Senator Helming said.

Senator Helming represents the 54^th Senate District, which consists of Seneca and Wayne Counties, parts of Cayuga and Ontario Counties, and the towns of Lansing and Webster. For more information, please visit Senator Helming’s website, or follow @SenatorHelming on Facebook or Twitter.

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