If you know of any woman currently undergoing Chemo, please pass the word to her that there is a cleaning service that provides FREE housecleaning – 1 time per month for 4 months while she is in treatment.

All she has to do is sign up and have her doctor fax a note confirming the treatment. Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip  code area arrange for the service.

Please pass this information on to help a woman going through any type of cancer treatment. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It’s our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care.

Click the image to visit Cleaning for a Reason, which helps women undergoing chemotheraphy keep their houses clean.

On  November 17, 2009 the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provided new recommendations for the use of mammography as a screening tool for breast cancer. The committee was comprised of both medical and non-medical professionals. The recommendations were based on the examination of scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of this tool for both screening for breast cancer as well as survival once diagnosed with the disease.

The Task Force found when looking at data from the past 20 years that while more women were being diagnosed with breast cancer and more women were being diagnosed with early stage disease, when comparing mortality from breast cancer the data remains unchanged. This means in 2009 we have the same number of people dying of breast cancer as we did in the 1980’s despite more people being screened with mammography. Obviously we have not achieved the important goal of reducing deaths from breast cancer despite our improved technology with mammography and improved use of mammography for screening for breast cancer.

Anytime new recommendations are made with regard to a change in health care practice, concern and fear are likely to arise. After all, there has been a push for mammography screening for early breast cancer detection for the last 20 years. What is important to note is that the recommendations for women who have had breast cancer as well as those who are at risk for developing breast cancer remain unchanged. Annual mammography screening is still recommended for this population. It is also important to note that this is the recommendation of an independent task force. The recommendations by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) have not changed at this point in time.

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation’s position on this recommendation is that women should continue to follow the advice of their health care practitioner. In addition, as we always promote, women should continue to advocate for themselves when it comes to their health care. Miles of Hope is a not for profit foundation providing support services for people residing in the eight counties of the Hudson Valley who have been affected by breast cancer.

Sincerely,

Cathy Varunok, Co-Founder, Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation; Occupational Therapist, Dyson Center for Cancer Care, Vassar Brothers Medical Center; St. Francis Hospital

Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation would like to recognize one of our own heroes, a tireless volunteer and warrior in her fight against breast cancer.

Margaret De Sa passed away on November 1, 2009, with her family by her bedside after a long and arduous battle with breast cancer. We honored her at the Goals for Hope women’s soccer tournament in 2006. Every year, without fail, she worked on the Goals Committee and ran the concession stand at the tournament with her family.

To say we will miss her is a grand understatement.

To say we were touched however briefly by her generosity and kindness and humor would be telling the whole truth, even though it would make Margaret blush with humility.

Reminder: Community Walk for Breast Cancer is on Sunday September 27. It’s our flagship fundraiser. Get involved!

We have 155 walkers who registered online, plus additional registrations. How about you! The Community Walk for Breast Cancer is on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at James Baird State Park in Pleasant Valley, New York. Sign up to walk.

Walk with us and raise money for Breast Cancer support in the Hudson Valley region! You can register online at Active.com (preferred), or pick up a registration form at any Hannaford’s or Adams Fairacre Farms stores. Registration is $25. Walkers should be pre-registered. The entry fee for walkers who register the day of the walk is $35.

Online registration closes at midnight on Saturday, so please register in advance!

The 2009 Community Walk for Breast Cancer honors Emmy Josephs. She is a staunch supporter of Miles of Hope and raises thousands of dollars for the Walk.

It is our HOPE that each walker will raise at least $100 to support the programs run by Miles of Hope. All proceeds from this walk go to the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. All checks should be made payable to Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.

There will be prizes for:

• Team with the most walkers
• Team who raises the most money
• Individual who raises the most money wins 2 full-day passes with a meal at the Mohonk Mountain House.

James Baird State Park is located off the Taconic State Parkway between Routes 44 and 55 in Pleasant Valley, NY. Walkers need to arrive by 9:00 AM. Opening Ceremonies are at 9:30 AM. Warm-up is at 9:45 AM, and the walk starts at 10:00 AM.

The walk is 5K. A shorter garden walk is available for those not able to complete the 5K, and all are welcome. Kids under age 12 walk free with a paying adult. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Sign Up to Walk
Donate to this event
Sponsor a Walker (click “Search” to see a list of walkers)

Dazzles Salon and Day Spa Specials – Miles Merchandise | Donations | Month of October

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dazzles Salon and Day Spa in Fishkill will support Miles of Hope throughout the month of October.

Miles of Hope merchandise will be available for sale.

All stylists at Dazzles will donate their retail commissions for October to Miles of Hope. Additionally, the salon will accept donations for Miles of Hope.

Dazzles is located at 738 Route 9, Fishkill Plaza, Fishkill [map]. For more information, visit the Dazzles website, call Kim at 845.897.5100.

Paint the Town Pink – Manicure, Paraffin Waxes at OHH LA LA Nail Salon

OOH LA LA Nail Salon in Millbrook is donating 100% of the fees for $18 manicures and $10 paraffin waxes at “Paint the Town Pink” on Saturday, October 3. Enjoy pink lemonade, pink cupcakes, and pink boas! The store is located at 11 Washington Avenue in Millbrook [map]. If you have any questions, Trisha at 845-677-3717.

Softball for Hope October 3rd and 4th – Hosted by the Poughkeepsie Women’s Slow-Pitch Softball League

Come out and cheer for your favorite team!

The Second Annual Miles of Hope Benefit Tournament will be hosted by the Poughkeepsie Women’s Slow-Pitch Softball League on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th (rain dates: 10/10 & 10/11). The games will run from approximately 10 AM until 6 PM. All proceeds will benefit the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.

The event will be held at Robinson Lane Fields in Wappingers Falls, on Robinson Lane.

For more information, please contact Tina Porter at 845-849-2595.

Cut-A-Thon at Salon Verve – Get Your Hair Cut – 100% Donated to Miles of Hope

Salon Verve in Hopewell Junction will host a Cut-A-Thon on Sunday, October 11 from 9 AM – 3 PM.

The minimum donation for a women’s haircut is $40; men $25; children $12. All haircut money will be donated to Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation!

Thank you to all the stylists who will donate their time! Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Salon Verve’s address is 800 Route 82 in Hopewell Junction [map]. For more information, visit the Salon Verve Facebook page or call them at (854) 447-1042.

Classic Car Show Fundraiser – Enjoy classic cars, door prizes, raffles, food, music!

Please visit the Classic Car Show at the Newburgh branch of Adams Fairacre Farms on Tuesday, October 13 from 5 PM – 9 PM.
This is one of the Hudson Valley’s most popular classic car shows. Enjoy an incredible showing of vintage autos, plus door prizes, in-store coupons, raffles, yummy food and a DJ.

All proceeds from this event will be donated to Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. More info is on the Adams Fairacre Farms website.

This show is only at the Adams Fairacre Farms store at 1240 Route 300 in Newburgh [directions].

Spin for Hope – Ride a Stationary Bike to Support Miles of Hope

The Somers Sports & Fitness Center is hosting a new event: Spin for Hope. A spin class is an intense, choreographed bike ride set to music.

Ride a stationary bike in one of their special “spin” classes on Sunday, October 25. All spin rides are 1 hour long. Ride times are 9 AM, 10 AM, and 11 AM. The donation to participate is $25. A water bottle and towel are required.

The Somers Sport & Fitness Center is at 245 Route 100, Somers, NY 10589 [map on the SSFC website]. All proceeds will benefit the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.

Reserve your spot by calling SSFC at (914) 301-5861. Bring your friends and join us in supporting the fight against breast cancer!

If you cannot attend, but would like to support the event, click to make a donation.

Break-A-Thon for Hope – Martial Arts Event Support Miles of Hope

Female martial arts students and experts will break boards at the first “Break-A-Thon for Hope” in Newburgh on Saturday, October 31st from 1 PM – 4 PM.

Donors will pledge a specific amount for each board that a specific participant breaks. Participants will pay a $10 registration fee. All proceeds are being donated to Miles of Hope BC Foundation, Inc.

Boards are being donated by Home Depot of Fishkill. Instructors from NEMAC, the North Eastern Martial Arts Council, will bring re-breakable boards. An audience is welcome!

The event will be held at the Glenn Hines Memorial Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh at 285 Liberty Street in Newburgh. For more information, visit the Fight Like a Girl! website or call Felicia Hodges at 845.567.1122.

Miles of Hope on ABC TV – We Will Be Featured on Viewpoint on WABC TV

Viewpoint is a half-hour television program that focuses on cultural events and positive community efforts in NY, NJ and Long Island. It airs on Sunday mornings at 5.30 AM on WABC TV, Channel 7. This program is watched by 36,000 households.

Miles of Hope will be taping an 8-minute section on this program in the fall. We will let you know when our segment is airing.

Thank you to all our incredible volunteers, donors and board members who have made this possible! With this amazing publicity, we can help even more residents of the Hudson Valley cope with breast cancer.

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Upcoming Events

Noah’s Ride May 31
Banana Republic June 13
Goals for Hope Aug 1
Dragon Boat Races Sept 12

Survivors Needed to Model for Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy Fundraiser June 13

Rock Your Summer Wardrobe Private Styling Event

Breast cancer survivors are needed to model clothing for a special fundraising event on Saturday, June 13.

Survivors up to size 14 are invited to sign up to model at a special Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy fashion show and raffle benefiting Miles of Hope from 1 PM until 4 PM at the Poughkeepsie Galleria, Center Court. Just call Diana at 845-297-3174.

Everyone is invited to attend the fashion show and participate in the raffle at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Additionally, the Banana Republic store in the Poughkeepsie Galleria will offer 25% off full-priced merchandise on June 13 with this special coupon (print it and bring to the store on June 13).

Event Info
Rock Your Summer Wardrobe
Fashion Show and Raffle
1 PM – 4 PM
Banana Republic/Gap/Old Navy
Poughkeepsie Galleria Center Court
Store open 10 AM – 9:30 PM

Dragon Boat Races, September 12 – Survivors and Support Groups Needed!
Cancer Awareness Race at Noon

Don’t be left on shore. Reserve your boat now for the Fifth Annual Dragons on the Hudson Dragon Boat Races in Peekskill, NY, on Saturday, September 12th.

The 5th Annual Dragons on the Hudson celebrates the Hudson River’s 400th anniversary. The regular races start at 9 AM, and the special Cancer Race starts at noon. At 4 PM, enjoy the Parade of Teams and Awards Ceremony, followed by the Paddle Party. They encourage competition at all levels and welcome both novice and advanced teams.

Join us at noon for a special race of cancer survivors and support groups when they take their fight to the water to beat the dragon.

For more information, an application, instructions, and the rules, visit the Peekskill Celebration website.

Event Info
Dragon Boat Races
Riverfront Green, Peekskill NY
Saturday, September 12 All Day
Cancer Race at Noon

Vote For Our Two “Spirit of Dutchess Award” Nominees

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation has nominated two of its key volunteers for the Spirit of Dutchess Award. This award is sponsored by the United Way of Dutchess County.

Lisa Arnoff, Chairman of the Annual Spring Brunch for Miles of Hope, is a tireless and committed volunteer.

Mary Schanz is the Chairman of Goals for Hope Women’s Soccer Tournament held at the LaGrange Soccer fields every August.

The winners will be announced on June 4.

Sign Up for Goals for Hope By July 7

Don’t forget to sign up for Goals for Hope now. Registration fees go up June 23, and the final deadline to register a team is July 7.

This fundraising soccer tournament for Miles of Hope takes place on Saturday, August 1 in LaGrange.

Learn more and sign up for Goals for Hope today.

Bid in Our New Online Auction Now Through June 5 2009

In order to give everyone more time to participate in our new online auction, we have extended the auction through Friday, June 5 at 9 PM.

We have teamed up with BiddingforGood.com to run this auction. Visit our auction now.

We have artwork, books, jewelry, vacations, tickets to the Tony Awards June 7, and more.

Every bid helps support programs for people affected by breast cancer in the Hudson Valley.

Thank you to everyone who donated items, including Nicholas Simile and Bellizzi Enterprises Fine Jewelers.

Update June 5 2009: The auction has closed. Thanks to all the donors and bidders!

Noah’s Ride May 31

Don’t forget to sign up for Noah’s Ride/Tour de Hope! The deadline to sign up online is May 30 at 2 PM. Please come out on Sunday May 31 to ride or cheer on the cyclists! More information is on the Bikeway.com website.

Enjoy The Miles of Hope Photo Gallery

We have added many recent events to the Miles of Hope Photo Gallery.

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