Add Your Photos of 17th Annual Support-A-Walk

Thousands of people, some wearing pink, others carrying signs with the names of friends and family members affected by cancer, walked three miles in Yorktown to raise awareness and money for breast and ovarian cancer today.

All proceeds from the 17th Annual Support-A-Walk, sponsored by the Yorktown-based , benefit the organization's free and confidential support services. 

For Sue Romagno, of Armonk, it was an emotional day and a cause that was close to her heart. Surrounded by friends and family, she said this was her first time walking for herself after she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven months ago. 

"It is emotional because what we went through when she got her first diagnosis, I don't want anybody else to go through this," her mother Judy Ellard, of Putnam Valley, said. "Through the efforts of this and the money, I hope it will help to eradicate the disease."

Romango's sister, Jessica Ellard of Shrub Oak, said she was there for support.

"This is the first time I'm seeing her without her wig," Ellard said. "She's looked out for me and now it's my turn."

Breast and ovarian cancer survivors who spoke about the Walk said it's an emotional and uplifting event.

Alice Bauer, of Mahopac, is a seven-year breast cancer survivor. She held a pink rose she got from the survivors' table at FDR Park and said she has been walking for the past six years, not only in memory of her friend Cindy, but also for herself as a survivor. 

Maryellen Finnerty, of Putnam Valley, was diagnosed with breast cancer in November and this is the first time she is participating in Support-A-Walk, but she said it won't be her last one.

"[I] want to make sure [Support Connection's] services are available to anybody who needs them," she said. "They were there for me and I want to make sure they're there for others." 

Jessica Bambach, of Yorktown, and her cousin Joah Johnson, of Wappinger Walls, had several people to walk in honor of-- Peggy Cremonese (a 5-year survivor), Carol Licenziato (a 2-year survivor) and Karen Hussey (who was recently diagnosed). 

"It's nice to see the community come out," said Bambach, who walks to for the cure of the disease.

The Support Connection mission is "to provide emotional, social, and educational support services to women, their families and friends affected by breast and ovarian cancer. The support provided enables women to help each other and empowers them to become their own health care advocates."

For more information visit www.supportconnection.org.