Thinking Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For most, October means Halloween, foliage, sweaters, and apple cider. But it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so if you’re looking for a way to lend your time and energy in support of sufferers, survivors, and their loved ones, check out these events going on across the Hudson Valley starting this weekend.  

Making Strides of Hudson Valley
When: Sunday, October 16
Where: Woodbury Common Premium Outlet, Central Valley
What: In order to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, Making Strides holds many three- to five-mile breast cancer walks nationwide, typically attracting several thousand supporters to each event. Sign-ups for individuals and teams are open online, where you can track the progress of your donations, or see who is leading the pack to set a goal for yourself. If you don’t want to walk, you can always support a friend who does, or send a donation to one of Making Strides’ Real Men Wear Pink candidates.

Hits for Hope
When: Sunday, October 8
Where: Beacon Memorial Park, Beacon
What:  The local nonprofit Miles of Hope is hosting a women’s slow-pitch softball tournament open to players 18 and older. Miles of Hope supports families and breast cancer survivors throughout the Hudson Valley, and every dollar raised goes towards their many programs, including a care fund for emergency procedures not covered by health insurance, scholarships, and one-on-one peer-counseling services. You can register your team for the softball tournament online, with a maximum of 12 players each. All teams are guaranteed to play at least three games.

BRAzaar brazART
When: Thursday, September 29
Where: Newburgh Brewing Company, Newburgh
What: In its eighth year, the Orange County YMCA’s BRAzaar event promotes an interesting twist on the idea of raising awareness. Each year, artists are asked to donate a unique piece, crafted by hand and made from a bra. Guests are encouraged to vote for their favorite, participate in a group “paint along,” and enjoy the food and drinks provided by Newburgh Brewing Company. All ticket proceeds go towards the Orange County Cancer Services Program.

Power of Pink
Where: The Shops at Nanuet, Nanuet
When: Saturday, October 1
What: In partnership with Nyack Hospital, The Shops at Nanuet are hosting a day of events to raise awareness for breast cancer. At 12, you can join the folks at lululemon for an hour of yoga. Then there will be a Breast Cancer Survivors Fashion Show at 1 pm that’s hosted by Fox 5’s Patricia Stark, followed by a Zumba class with 24 Hour Fitness at 2 pm. Workers from Nyack Hospital will remain on site through out the day to hold a Health Fair and answer any questions attendees might have. 

Cornwall Walk/Run for Cancer
When: Saturday, October 29
Where: Cornwall Riverlight Park, Cornwall
What: The community-oriented Cornwall Walk/Run for Cancer is in its 12th year of delivering attendees’ donations to cancer resource- and research-facilities in the area. There is a 5K or 10K course available, and sign-ups open the day of the race at 7 am. You can choose to have your run timed, but looking at last year’s results, you might be better off walking to save your energy (and dignity).