Breast cancer survivors breakfast

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recognized Queens business leaders and breast cancer survivors at their inspirational kick-off breakfast recently.
“We wanted people to come away with enthusiasm for putting together a team, raising money, and spreading awareness,” said Diane Colonna, Director of Income Development for ACS, organizer of the event.
Held at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, the breakfast on Thursday, August 16 was open to members of the Queens business community. From 7:45 to 9:00 a.m., attendees were invited to share a meal, learn about breast cancer, and participate as a sponsor for the 2007 Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk.
“Every woman over 40 years old, the age when breast cancer is usually detected, should get an annual mammogram,” Colonna recommended, stressing the importance of the disease and early detection.
Nearly one of every four women diagnosed with breast cancer in Queens could lose their life.
Cancer survivors also spoke that morning to share their different experiences with cancer.
“One of our flagship sponsors (sponsors who commit to recruiting a required number of walkers) talked about how she had just finished her treatment for breast cancer that Monday, it was so tremendous and inspiring,” she said.
“This one person told me their napkin wasn’t big enough for the tears they cried,” she said.
With a turnout of 600 people, Colonna said that each year the number keeps growing and the response is always more positive. “It great when you hear that as soon as people return back to their offices or homes to their computer, the first thing they did was sign up to be apart of the walk.”
ACS has been organizing the Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk and kick-off dinner for 14 years.
For the 2007 walk, ASC invites people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds to take the opportunity to celebrate breast cancer survivors, and participate by walking for a cure along Queens Boulevard.
Funds raised at the walk in Queens help support breast cancer research, vital patient and family breast cancer screening and educate the local community on breast cancer and screening guidelines.