The North Fork Breast Health Coalition is holding its 28th Anniversary 5K Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness on Sunday, September 27. The fundraiser takes place at Tanger Riverhead, which sponsors the event. Participants can pre-register through the NFBHC website or register from 7:30 to 8:45 AM that morning. The walk begins at 9 AM and is over by 11 AM.
The registration fee for the 5K Walk is $30 if paid by September 19 and $35 if paid after that date or on the day of the event. The first 300 entrants will receive a gift bag. Walkers are encouraged to gather pledges of support from friends, family, and colleagues.
Top fundraising awards will be given in the following categories: Young Adult (ages 13-19), Adult, Breast Cancer Survivor, and Business/Team. Team captains must register team members, send in names and registration fees by September 19, and submit pledge money on the morning of the event.
From 7:30 to 8:45 AM, registrants can enjoy breakfast, including coffee, tea, and water with muffins, granola bars, and fruit. They can also buy raffle tickets for dozens of valuable prizes donated by Tanger stores. The opening ceremony starts at 8:45 AM.
“The annual 5K walk at Tanger Riverhead brings together breast cancer patients, survivors and thrivers, community members, elected officials and leaders in the breast cancer community. Tanger has partnered with us on the walk for the past 27 years and secures numerous gift baskets and other high-end items for the raffle. Proceeds from the walk help pay for the free services we offer to breast cancer patients and support our Lend A Helping Hand grant program,” said NFBHC President Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski.
Currently led by Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski, the all-volunteer, nonprofit organization supports local breast cancer patients with programs such as the Helping Hand grants. NFBHC also hosts an annual seminar on “integrative approaches to breast cancer treatment” and funds Stage IV research at select laboratories.
Proceeds from the 5K Walk allow NFBHC to continue to provide free services including gentle yoga, massage therapy, reflexology, and “Strength for Life” exercise to breast-cancer patients, survivors, and thrivers who are also invited to periodic retreats where they can spend time together. In addition, they have access to the Rita Duva Boutique that offers free wigs, scarves, hats, and prosthetics.
For more information about the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and the services that the organization provides to breast-cancer patients and survivors who reside in the North Fork area, visit northforkbreasthealth.org. Ann Cotton-DeGrasse and the late Antonio DeGrasse founded the North Fork Breast Health Coalition with the help of Riverhead Rotary in 1998.
So far, this year’s top sponsors or “Pink Sneaker Sponsors” are: Bernadette Tuthill, Esq., partner at Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley, Dubin and Quartararo, LLP; Connie Hayes – Losing Is Not an Option; Dr. Joseph Duva; Kleinfeld Bridal; natera; Riverhead Central Faculty Association; The Simmons Point Group of Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC; and Wendy’s Deli. Riverhead Building Supply and Soundview Heating & Air Conditioning are “Kilometer Sponsors.”
Although you can sign up for the race that day, registering in advance is recommended. To register online, visit northforkbreasthealth.paylite.net.