American Cancer Society kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month

HALFMOON – One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It’s a startling statistic we are reminded of each October.

The American Cancer Society kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the 2021 "Real Men Wear Pink" Campaign Friday by painting the town pink once again. The organization unveiled the 2021 pink CDTA bus, a new Real Kids Wear Pink t-shirt and even hosted a pink golf tournament at the Fairways of Halfmoon.

Friday’s event was all focused on the important strides that have been made.

"Our biggest accomplishment, honestly, is the fact that the Capital Region is known across the country when it comes to the fight against breast cancer," said Lizzie Hunter, director of the Capital Region American Cancer Society. "It’s pretty incredible to know the dollars we are raising have gone to fund research that people living today have taken, and that’s why they are alive today."

While the American Cancer Society has helped fund groundbreaking research on a national level, it is also helping people right here in the Capital Region with the day-to-day battle.

"The American Cancer Society was able to fund $30,000 within the Capital Region for both Albany Med and St. Peter’s, and that will go to ensuring they can get their patients to the hospital for treatment," Hunter explained. "People don’t always have a ride. Often times, you have to be there every single day."

As the organization continues to raise money and awareness throughout this month, they’re also reminding people about an important message.

"We know so many people, because of the pandemic, had to either cancel or delay their screenings and people just forget. You can’t let another year go by before you go to your doctor," she said.

To make a donation to the American Cancer Society or learn more about upcoming events, click here.