Senate Republicans Secure $200,000 for Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester

State Senate Republicans are proud to announce the passage of Senate Resolutions awarding $200,000 to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR). This vital funding will assist BCCR with continued outreach to those impacted by breast cancer and provide for expanded cancer services in our region. 

Senator Rob Ortt said, “I’ve worked closely with BCCR, supporters and survivors over the past few years to ensure valuable resources go where they are needed most. The personal stories from courageous men and women who have fought and continue to fight this devastating disease have been a beacon of hope for so many, which is why outreach is so important. I’m proud my Senate Republican colleagues and I were able to secure this critical funding that will help to win the fight against breast cancer and provide better care for our loved ones.”

“The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is an incredible organization that provides a wide array of services to individuals touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer. This critical funding will allow the Coalition build on the progress they have made over the last couple of years and help to expand their outreach to more rural areas. Holly Anderson and her team have been incredible advocates and I am confident this funding will help the Coalition continue to move in the right direction,” Senator Helming said.

Holly Anderson, Executive Director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, said, "Breast Cancer continues to devastate women, men, and their families throughout the Finger Lakes Region of Central and Western New York. But now, thanks to Senator Pam Helming and her seven Senate colleagues, those in the aftermath of a breast cancer diagnosis who live in smaller communities throughout the region no longer need to travel to large urban areas for support and education services. With the backing of our Senators, we have been able to extend many of the Coalition's exemplary survivorship programs throughout our region, providing relief to those already under a great deal of stress from their treatments."

In the past, similar funding has allowed BCCR to create and expand its organization’s regional outreach throughout the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes area through evening educational seminars and Peer Advocates Lending Support (PALS) mentorship training. The continuation of this funding will allow the Coalition to further expand their efforts and continue to develop new opportunities to engage community stakeholders.

“This important grant is a part of our ongoing efforts to help prevent, detect and treat breast cancer, and a vital component of that is to expand outreach services especially to rural areas,” said Senator Catharine Young. “This funding will directly help many more patients in upstate New York receive life-saving medical care as well as the emotional support that is so critical when someone receives a diagnosis.  I commend the BCCR for all it does in the fight against breast cancer.”

Senator Joseph Robach said, "Throughout my career, I have worked closely with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and I was proud to support the allocation of $200,000. The BCCR does great work in assisting those in communities across Rochester, Monroe County and the Finger Lakes as they are impacted by breast cancer."

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said, "I have worked closely with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester over the years, and the local grassroots organization is truly dedicated to providing support to those touched by a diagnosis of breast cancer. The Coalition's educational and advocacy programs will continue to make a difference in our communities as a result of this state funding."

Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “I am proud to work with my Senate colleagues to secure critical funding to support the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.  My wife is a breast cancer survivor and I know the important role that organizations such as this have in helping individuals and families cope with this terrible disease.”

Senator Tom O'Mara said, “The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is an active and welcome source of education and support for cancer patients, survivors, and their families across our region. We're grateful to help support the Coalition's efforts to provide opportunities for area women to get more information on this vital health care issue, to provide programs and services for patients, survivors and their families, and to raise the public’s overall awareness.”

Senator Rich Funke said, “The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is an invaluable partner in our fight against the disease and I am proud this investment will help enhance their good work. From awareness and advocacy to research and education, I thank Holly Anderson and her team at BCCR for all they do to support those impacted by breast cancer in our region.”

“The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has done a wonderful job of supporting those with a breast cancer diagnosis through advocacy, education and access to care,” said Senator Chris Jacobs. “Their broad network includes breast cancer patients in Erie and surrounding counties and I am pleased that the collective support of Senator Helming and my colleagues resulted in this funding.” 

As one of the only full-scope, community-based breast cancer organizations in Upstate New York, the Coalition serves ten counties including Monroe, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates. This funding is crucial in helping the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester with continued outreach to those affected by breast cancer in these regions.