“Walk for Beauty” To Benefit Patients, Support Breast and Prostate Cancer At SBUMC
17th Annual Event Co-Sponsored by Ward Melville Heritage Organization
STONY BROOK, N.Y., September 17, 2010 – Breast and prostate cancer survivors, along with their families, the physicians and staff of Stony Brook University Medical Center, and the entire community, will once again ban together on October 3 to participate in the 17th annual “Walk for Beauty, Walk for Life.” Co-sponsored by SBUMC and the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, the Walk raises funds for breast and prostate cancer research and supports the purchase of wigs, prosthetics and other products for patients in need. The Walk has raised more than $1 million since its inception in 1994.
The 2010 Walk for Beauty is completed in honor of all breast and prostate cancer patients, many of whom continue to battle their disease. Special honors will be given to four area long-term breast cancer survivors who have been instrumental in their respective communities in raising awareness about breast cancer and supporting research on the causes of disease and the search for targeted treatments.
The Walk has a unique and growing history. It began in 1994 as a community effort to raise awareness about breast cancer and establish a boutique for people with cancer. The Unique Boutique, a collection of shopkeepers who provide products and services for patients with cancer, and The Walk for Beauty Fund, has enabled patients with cancer to purchase wigs, prosthetics, and other special products. Since 1996, the Walk has helped support cancer research at SBUMC. In 2002, the Walk broadened its scope to include prostate cancer research.
All of the proceeds from the 2010 Walk will go directly to support research, or for needed items for cancer patients.
“Once again we anticipate hundreds of supporters for this inspiring community event, in which many cancer survivors participate annually,” says Yvonne Spreckels, Director, Community Relations at SBUMC, noting that some breast cancer survivors wear pink hats, shirts or other pink clothes while walking.
The Walk covers two routes – a 4 kilometer and a 6 kilometer – that bring walkers through historic and picturesque Stony Brook Village and surrounding neighborhoods. Both routes run through Avalon Park and Preserve and areas near the Long Island Sound, passing landmarks such as the Stony Brook Grist Mill and the Three Village Inn.
Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Individual and team registration is available. Special fundraising challenges include incentives and raffle prizes for individuals and teams. For more information and to register, call Stony Brook University HealthConnect® at (631) 444-4000.
