MEDIA ADVISORY
August 31, 2007

Cancer Patients, Survivors and Friends Join Together to Fight the Disease

WHAT: The 13th annual Bosom Buddies Walk for Roswell, presented by the Bosom Buddies of Western New York - a breast cancer support group. The walk will feature 1.5-, 3- and 5-mile routes through historic East Aurora, a theme tray auction, silent auction, breakfast provided by Tim Hortons and lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse. Participants will remember those who have bravely fought the disease; honor survivors who are present; and rededicate themselves to helping others facing breast cancer, while supporting the WNY Breast Resource Center at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

WHERE: East Aurora Middle School, 430 Main Street, East Aurora

WHEN: Saturday, September 15

• 9 to 10:30 am - breakfast (coffee and donuts)
• 9:30 am - registration for 5-mile route, 10:00 am walk begins
• 10:00 am - registration for 3- and 1.5-mile routes, 10:30 am walk begins
• 12 pm – lunch
• Theme Tray & Silent Auction (9:30 am to 12 pm)
• Deejay entertainment (9:30 am to 1 pm)
  

WHY: Proceeds from the event will benefit the Western New York Breast Resource Center located on the second floor of the hospital at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. The Center celebrates its 10th anniversary this year thanks to unwavering community support, including support from the annual Bosom Buddies Walk which has raised a total of more than $300,000 to continue the Center’s work. Founded on February 1, 1997 with funds from the Bosom Buddies’ first two walks, the Center is free and open to all breast cancer patients (not only those being treated at Roswell Park). Over the past decade the Center has assisted thousands of individuals (on average, 600 people each year) by providing individualized educational information as well as emotional support. Services of the Center include a breast cancer reading/AV library, online resource access, linkages to support and advocacy groups, and a free wig, hat and scarf program.

WHO: Approximately 300-350 walkers are expected to participate.

About The Bosom Buddies Support Group:
Friends Doreen Mortimer and Bunkie Hawk founded the Bosom Buddies Support Group in 1993 after they both were diagnosed with breast cancer. Membership in the Bosom Buddies has since grown to over 80 women. Group members travel from towns across Western New York for monthly meetings offering support for each other and for other women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Doreen Mortimer lost her fight with cancer in 1998.