Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE — Some ran, some strolled, others walked as far as their surviving bodies would allow, but all marched to honor those who could not and support locals in their fight against breast cancer.

"Keep going," was breast cancer survivor Daniel Schaller's advice to his fellow fighters Saturday morning as he briskly walked the route with his walking stick. Schaller was diagnosed with male breast cancer on Jan. 6, 2008 and underwent chemotherapy and radiation. He has been a member of the breast cancer support group, Bosom Buddies, ever since.

About 950 participants (unofficial number) came out Saturday morning, supporting everything pink, for the 17th annual "One Step Closer to Help and Hope" Bosom Buddies' walk/run.

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Heading out from Pavilion Drive onto East Niagara Road, a crowd of moving colors decorated the street. Many participants wore this year's event colors of chocolate brown and pink, while others were in the green or pink shirts past.

"The shirts have become our history," Bosom Buddies survivor Francie Smiles said.

When the "survivor scoot" started 17 years ago, it was fairly small. But through the event, the group was able to raise a couple hundred dollars for their support group. Each dollar was important, as it stayed in the community to help locals with prevention services and medical costs, as it still does today.

However, what started small has reached pleasing heights.

"You see that color walk up the hill, it's so wonderful," Smiles said. "It's been a rainbow of years for me."

This year's event, which included a silent auction evening event Friday and the walk/run Saturday, raised about $61,000, according to unofficial numbers, Smiles said.

The help the group has been able to provide has also increased. Already this year, the group has assisted 120 individuals and families for mammograms and other related treatment costs, as well as provided 17 scholarships for young people to seek professional counseling to cope with a loved-one's battle.

Before the walk, Bosom Buddies recognized Vickie Marrietta, who is not a cancer survivor but has helped the event committee for more than five years. As her last year on the committee, the group thanked her for all she has done to grow and organize the event.

"She is a gift," Smiles said.

During the first years, the group stuffed about 200 bags in the living room of Smiles’ home. They never expected that one day, there would be more than 900 bags to prepare with shirts and donated items for the morning event.

This year, the Cobble Creek Women's Golf Association stepped in to give the Bosom Buddies' group a hand. They too were recognized before the walk/run.

"It's just heartwarming to see this. It's such a great feeling to see all the support," said Phyllis Wiesner, a 15-year survivor of breast cancer this December.

 

Comments

MaNessa with RELAY FOR LIFE SUPPORT wrote on Oct 11, 2009 9:42 PM:

" We invited the bosom buddies this year to join in the fight for all cancers as well as the ever so strong battle they fight for Breast cancer. Francie was an amazing woman to talk with and the committee of Bosom buddies deserves and very high five in accomplishing this years 17th annual. Thank you for allowing us to be there. And We hope to have the support in june of the BUDDIES at RELAY. you are AGAIN amazing people and can't wait to walk along side you again in support of a cure! "




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MaNessa with RELAY FOR LIFE SUPPORT wrote on Oct 11, 2009 9:41 PM:

" This years Breast cancer walk was amazing. The relay for life committee members gathered in support and walked with the bosom buddies this year!! The kick off for Relay will be NOV 4th at the Methodist Church at 6 pm.... "




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