On Saturday, October 2, City Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley participated in the Sixth Annual Anniversary Walk for the Kathy Tugaw Breast Cancer Foundation at Juniper Valley Park to raise awareness and funds for those struggling every day with breast cancer and for those who have lost a loved one to the disease.
“Everyone here has something big in common: we have all been affected by cancer,” said Crowley. “I commend you for taking action against this vicious disease. Thirty years ago, breast cancer was a death sentence. But because of people like you, awareness events like this and donations made to fight this cause, the survival rate is now more than 80 percent.
“We have come a long way but we still have a ways to go — and we cannot stop until we’ve found a cure,” continued Crowley. “As individuals we must be proactive about our own heath care. Make sure you are talking to your doctor about your family medical history. Make sure your doctor is talking to you about current preventative tools and counseling. If your doctor is not talking to you about ways to reduce your risk, then get a new one. Together, we can save women’s lives.”
Crowley has been an active advocate for cancer awareness and has written extensively on this issue. The Councilmember held a panel at City Hall with experts discussing the genetic connections between breast and ovarian cancer and how one can reduce their risk of developing diseases.
The Kathy Tugaw Breast Cancer Foundation is a 501c3, based in Ridgewood. The foundation provides cancer patients with car services for all appointments and related testing as well as provides funding for wigs.
