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Health & Fitness

Near or Far, You Can Be Part of the Support-A-Walk!

Even if you can't be there, you can still be part of the Support-A-Walk! Debra Paget is doing just that!

The 19th Annual Support-A-Walk for Breast and Ovarian Cancer will take place on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 at FDR Park in Yorktown Heights. Thousands of people from across the Hudson Valley participate in this event every year. But… did you know you can participate even if you can’t attend? Debra Paget knows!

Over the past five years, Debra (a former longtime Westchester resident) has raised more than $28,000 for Support Connection by participating in the Support-A-Walk. This year, she won’t be able to walk on Oct. 6th. But she’s still doing her part! Here’s what she wrote to her friends and family when asking them to donate to her favorite cause this year:

"After five straight years of walking and fundraising for Support Connection, I am sorry to say that, due to scheduling conflicts, I am unable to attend this year's walk.  However, NOTHING can stop me from fundraising for Support Connection, a group that provides FREE support services for anyone affected by breast or ovarian cancer.

Here's why Support Connection is so important to me:  When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer 14 years ago, I was scared and didn't know where to turn. I happened to find Support Connection, made the call, left a message, and someone called me back and provided the emotional support I desperately needed.  It was very comforting to me knowing that there was someone who could answer my questions and  welcome me into this sisterhood of which I never wanted to be a member.

In addition, Support Connection was unique (and still is) in that they support those affected by ovarian and breast cancers.  While there are many support organizations and lots of information available to those dealing with breast cancer, there are very few resources for women dealing with ovarian cancer. Support Connection's wealth of information and experience with ovarian cancer was a great comfort to me.

And for those who do not know, breast cancer has also affected my life - I lost my mother, Lillian Paget, in 1969 after her two-year battle with breast cancer, and last summer, my sister Barbara was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Support Connection provided lots of help to both me and my sister as she went through her battle. (I'm happy to report that after surgery, chemo, and radiation treatments, Barbara's doing great!!)

Unfortunately, I continue to learn of new diagnoses of ovarian or breast cancer among my friends, and I keep referring them, both near and far, to Support Connection.  Each friend has been grateful for the wealth of information and the support, emotional or educational, that the counselors at Support Connection have provided to them.”

To see Debra’s fundraising efforts in action, click here.

The Support-A-Walk is Support Connection’s  most important annual fundraiser; 89¢ of every dollar donated directly funds their free breast and ovarian cancer support services. Support Connection does not receive funds from any national cancer organizations including Relay for Life, Susan G. Komen, the Avon Walk or Making Strides. The year-round support services Support Connection provides have helped thousands of people since the organization was established in 1996. The Support-A-Walk also serves as a major awareness event, bringing attention to the needs of those facing the challenges of a breast and ovarian cancer diagnosis.

To learn more about the Support-A-Walk, to participate, or to make a donation, visit www.supportconnection.org or contact Support Connection: 914-962-6402 or walk2013@supportconnection.org.

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