Ambassadors Announced for Support Connection Walk
Support Connection announced the selection of two local residents as Walk Ambassadors for its Annual Support-A-Walk, which will take place on Sunday, October 2, (rain or shine) at FDR Park, Route 202, Yorktown Heights.
The Walk brings attention to the needs of people affected by breast and ovarian cancer and raises funds for Support Connection’s free counseling and other support services for those affected by these diseases.
Jane Crossley of Putnam Valley was diagnosed with Stage 2 ovarian cancer in February 2012 after months of confusing and painful symptoms. She lost 15 pounds, saw several doctors and had numerous tests. Finally, after undergoing exploratory surgery, her diagnosis was confirmed and she embarked on a difficult course of treatment. Her wife Valerie was by her side through it all, but it was challenging, especially since both of their families are overseas. Lucky for them, their neighbor is a Peer Counselor at Support Connection, so they knew where to turn.
Crossley reached out to that neighbor: “What she shared with me was so uplifting and courageous. She helped us understand the fear of it all and gave us such hope. She made me feel like we would get through this.” Next Crossley spoke with another Peer Counselor by phone: “We spoke for over an hour. I had started losing my hair and it was very upsetting. I could talk to her about it. She understood because she’d gone through it too. She listened to all of my rantings and ravings, and told me how it had been for her. It was so helpful.”
Crossley also benefited from other Support Connection programs, like yoga, and an educational teleconference on ovarian cancer: “It was a great opportunity to ask questions to a renowned specialist and to hear questions from other survivors.”
Crossley attended her 1st Support-A-Walk in 2012 not long after completing chemo: “I wasn’t sure I could handle the walking but I’m so glad I went. I was shocked to see so many people. I felt overwhelmed with love. I felt so connected, and so normal because I was with so many people who’d been through what I’d been through. I felt empowered and at peace.”
As a result, the Walk is now a must every year for Crossley: “You see how many people are there for the same reasons and you see so clearly that you’re not alone. Everyone looks at you with such understanding. It’s very powerful.”
Crossley is clear about why people should donate and raise funds for the Walk: “Support Connection is unique. It provides constant, invaluable support, in so many ways, all for free. Their team works tirelessly to ensure that those who need comfort, encouragement and advice receive it with the deepest compassion and understanding. Support Connection receives no financial assistance from any national cancer organizations, yet provides all of their support services without any restrictions. They need our support to continue doing this.”
Dottie McHugh of Purdys was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2005. She was 38 years old and had two young children: her daughter was six and her son was four. Needless to say, it was an overwhelming situation. Her husband Jim and their large extended family was there for her every step of the way. But that April, when she learned about Support Connection from a co-worker, she decided to reach out.
Soon after that, McHugh began participating in Support Connection’s monthly Young Women’s Support Group. It became a lifeline for her: “You want to live your life as normally as possible. At the support group, I could share my experiences and my raw emotions with other women who’d been there. I felt empowered, and privileged to hear their stories. It gave me knowledge about what was ahead.”
McHugh attended her first Support-A-Walk in 2005 and hasn’t missed a year since. She’s joined by her husband, children, siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and neighbors. Their Team, “Ann’s Avengers,” is named in honor of her beloved mother-in-law who died of breast cancer six months before her diagnosis.
McHugh has had a number of other family members affected by breast cancer. She walks and raises funds in honor of all of them, as well as “all the courageous women dealing with this disease.” Last year, McHugh’s daughter Megan (now 17) helped out by enlisting her volleyball team, which raised more than $800.
McHugh is delighted to be a Walk Ambassador: “It gives me great pleasure to give back to an amazing organization I truly believe in and that played a major role in my mindset during my own battle with cancer. I hope to be a positive role model for other women facing this disease.”
She encourages everyone to participate: “Raising funds or donating to the Support-A-Walk is a wonderful gift to all the woman and families struggling with breast or ovarian cancer who will benefit from the many invaluable services Support Connection can provide them through generous donations.”
To donate to the Support-A-Walk, or to learn how to participate or fundraise, visit www.supportconnection.org or call 914-962-6402.
Rick has more than 40 years’ experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, running the gamut from politics and crime to sports and human interest. He has been an editor at Examiner Media since 2012. Read more from Rick’s editor-author bio here. Read Rick’s work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/pezzullo_rick-writer/