Yorktown Residents Selected as Ambassadors for Cancer Walk

 has chosen Jim and Jane Gentile as their ambassadors for this year's Support-A-Walk.

The 17th Support-A-Walk will take place on Sunday, Oct. 2 (rain or shine) at  in Yorktown. Each year, Support Connection selects ambassadors who represent "the spirit and purpose" of the Support-A-Walk, which is held to increase awareness of breast and ovarian cancer and to help raise money for Support Connection’s free, confidential services for those affected by these diseases.

Jane Gentile has been involved with organization since she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002. At the time, she was a single mother of two daughters and had no history of breast cancer in her family. Realizing that she needed help, her brother, Ken Carpenter, found out about Support Connection and encouraged her to reach out to them.

She was connected with a Support Connection Peer Counselor who provided her with support, encouragement and information. Gentile also participated in one of the organization’s support groups for women with breast cancer.

"In the beginning, I found it a little hard to talk about my personal experiences," she said. "Then I began hearing from other people who were also dealing with breast cancer. I realized I could help by speaking out and sharing how I made it through."

The same year Gentile was diagnosed, she began participating in the Support-A-Walk with a group of family and friends. They called their team "The J-Walkers" and they’ve been at the Walk every year since, raising more than $3,000 in 2010. The team has grown over the years and now also includes many of her daughters’ friends and their families.

The woman is also an active Support Connection volunteer, helping at numerous events throughout the year.

The Jim and Jane Gentile have been married since 2004 and are happy for the opportunity to use their experiences to promote the Walk and have a positive impact on people. 

"I feel it’s important for people to have a face to attach to a cause," Jane Gentile said. "I am always telling people about the Support-A-Walk. I always say: 'While of course we hope to find a cure, in the meantime, there are so many people living with breast and ovarian cancer who need support, and that’s what Support Connection is all about.'"

Also ambassadors for this year’s Support-A-Walk are Ellen and Ken Kiernan of West Nyack, who participate in the Walk in memory of their daughter Kim who died of ovarian cancer. 

Registration and donations are now being accepted for the Support-A-Walk. To learn more or to participate click here or call 914-962-6402.

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