Think Pink Finalist
Terry P, New York
Gouverneur Business Women Breast Cancer Walk Fund
In 1998 at the age of 29, my childhood best friend, Andra, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I live in New York and she was living in Hawaii at the time, so I felt completely helpless in any way to assist her. Sure, I could support her through phone conversations and a steady stream of emails and cards, but I was heartbroken I couldn’t actually be there to help her through her most difficult time. Seeing the challenges she faced, I grew angry at the system and what was unavailable to assist those in need. My frustrations lead me to become an advocate in the fight against breast cancer and finding new ways to truly help 
men and women in Andra’s position during their treatment and recovery. Andra was diagnosed again in 2010, and I am glad to say she is currently in remission.
As I began my involvement with breast cancer awareness, I became involved in a local breast cancer walk known as The Gouverneur Business Women Breast Cancer Walk. The fund from this event assists men and women in St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis counties of New York who are in the process of being diagnosed, treated or are in recovery from breast cancer. The funds assist travel expenses, rent, mortgages, utilitie
s, medical and prescription copays, all of which are not covered by insurance. In addition, we operate this fund on a 100 percent volunteer base with no administration costs, so you know all the money we receive goes directly to the patient.
We also work to provide our patients with items that will help with comfort and aid in the treatment and post-surgery process. Our annual walk is sponsored by local business and takes place on the first Saturday after Mother’s Day each May in Gouverneur, NY. Last year we had over 400 participants!
I nominated the Gouverneur Business Women’s Breast Cancer Walk Fund because of the very real difference we are able to make in the lives of our local women fighting the fight against breast cancer. I cannot express what this organization means to me and loved ones who have been diagnosed. To date, we have raised over $610,000 and assisted 345 local 
women without administration costs. Support from companies like California Giant makes a huge difference, and I thank you for raising awareness for this disease that plagues so many.
Visit http://calgiant.com/california-giant-cares/ to read all 5 Think Pink finalists’ stories and vote for your favorite.
I support Gouverneur Business Women and their efforts to help those who are diagnosed with the dreaded disease of breast cancer. I have participated in the walk, first with my very dear friend who was diagnosed, then in 2012 a large group of us walked in her memory. It’s very sad that I lost my close friend but we feel we need to continue to raise money and walk in support of this group so they may be able to help others. I have many friends who this group has helped. They are a group of very caring individuals who have also been touched but yet continue to help those in need. To keep funds locally is wonderful for our small communities. It feels as if we are all family fighting to help others fight the battle.