5K Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness Benefits Local Patients

The North Fork Breast Health Coalition is holding the 21st Anniversary “5K Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness” on Sunday, September 22. The fundraiser takes place at the Riverhead location of Tanger Outlet Center, which sponsors the event. Participants can pre-register or register from 7:30-8:45 AM that morning. The walk begins at 9 AM.

The registration fee to participate in the 5K Walk is $25 if paid by September 17 and $30 if paid after that date or on the day of the event. The first 300 entrants will receive an official walk 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 years old), Adult, Business/Team and Breast Cancer Survivor.

News12 Long Island Meteorologist Rich Hoffman will host the opening ceremony, which starts at 8:45 AM. Before then, registrants can enjoy a continental breakfast that includes bagels, muffins and fruit. There will also be an opportunity to buy raffle tickets for dozens of beautiful prizes donated by Tanger Outlet stores.

“The annual 5K walk at Tanger Outlets 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 21 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 as well as our Lend A Helping Hand grant program,” said NFBHC Vice President Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski.

This year’s sponsors include Dr. Joseph Duva, who has an office in Riverhead and leads the way as a Pink Sneaker Sponsor. Media sponsors include News12 Long Island, Riverhead Local and Riverhead News-Review. Opportunities to participate as a sponsor of the event are still available and range from $150-$1,000.

Although it is possible to sign up that day, registration in advance is recommended. To register or obtain more information, call 631-208-8889, e-mail nfbreasthealth@gmail.com or visit htpp://northforkbreasthealth.paylite.net, where you can register online.

Currently led by Susan Ruffini, the all-volunteer, non-profit organization supports local breast-cancer patients with programs such as the Helping Hand grants. Funds raised by the event will also allow the group to continue to provide free services such as gentle yoga, massage therapy, reflexology and guided mediation to breast-cancer patients and survivors.

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 www.northforkbreasthealth.org. Ann Cotton-DeGrasse and the late Antonio DeGrasse founded the North Fork Breast Health Coalition in 1998.