After watching a close friend battle cancer, North Shore Towers resident David Bergman has decided to participate in the American Cancer Society’s upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach.
Earlier this year, when Allison Dinkelacker was 31 weeks pregnant, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bergman said that she is now in remission, but had to go through a great deal, including chemotherapy and surgery. However, her battle is not over, as she still has to undergo radiation and will need additional surgery.
Bergman and Dinkelacker met two years ago at work and have become close friends since then. Bergman said he has also become friendly with her twin sister, husband, brother-in-law, son and nephew.
“Having seen all that Allison has had to go through made me want to support her in the walk,” said Bergman, a resident of Building Three. “She is one of the most caring persons I know and an extremely loyal and helpful friend.”
Bergman also said that he is “still amazed by [how] much courage she exhibited during a most difficult time.”
When Dinkelacker heard that Bergman would be participating in the walk as part of her team, called Allison’s Allies, he said that she was thrilled. She also told him that that kind of support helps her feel better.
“My ultimate goal is that my contribution will help fund research that will help eradicate breast cancer,” Bergman said. “No one should have to deal with it….Any further awareness that results from the walk would be fantastic.”
Bergman has set his fundraising goal at $2,500, and has already raised about $1,700.
The 2009 American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will be held at Jones Beach on Sunday, October 18.
According to the American Cancer Society’s website, the walk was first started in 1993. Since then, about five million walkers have participated. Throughout the years, the walk has raised more than $340 million.
There are several different areas where the money raised is used. This includes funding research, offering a 24-hour hotline, providing free programs and services, funding free e-mail reminders to have mammograms, maintaining a state-of-the-art website and advocating for patients.
If anyone is interested in contributing to the walk, they can leave a check with the concierge of Building Three or e-mail Bergman at dbergmanuga@yahoo.com to receive a link to the donation page.
For more information on the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org.
