Breast cancer survivors had the opportunity to strut down the runway to model the latest fall fashions earlier this month for Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County’s annual fundraiser, Pink Passion for Fashion. Held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Reading, the event raises critical funding for the nonprofit that provides hope, information and emotional support to those affected by breast cancer.
“We are the only organization in Berks County that offers support, education and awareness for breast cancer,” said Michele Reinert, BCSS’s executive director. “Everybody knows somebody and has either been directly or indirectly impacted by a breast cancer diagnosis.”
The theme this year was “Masquerade Ball,” and a record was set for the most money raised for the third consecutive year at the eighth annual event.
“We increased our seating this year to 350 and sold out,” Reinert said. “We raised over $63,000.”
In addition to breast cancer survivors, a small group of medical professionals that were nominated by survivors also had a chance to get their moment to shine on the catwalk during the fashion show and luncheon that raised critical funding for BCSS.
“We don’t charge for any of our programs, resources or services, which is why the fundraising events are so important to us,” Reinert said. “We raise 100% of our annual operating budget.”
Support breast cancer awareness
BCSS’s Pink Passion for Fashion event is one of many ways the community can come out to support breast cancer awareness in and around Berks County. In addition to attending these fundraisers, another route you can take is to serve as a volunteer.
“We are currently recruiting volunteers to serve on several committees as well as to assist with events, community awareness tabling events and general office tasks,” Reinert said.
The events serve as a way to help take action, gain support and preparedness, and become aware.
“The worst thing that can happen is to find out about us when you need us,” she said. “The best thing is to find out before you need us.”
Reinert shared some sobering statistics surrounding breast cancer diagnoses, which emphasizes why community awareness of their services is so important.
“One in eight women will hear, ‘You have breast cancer,’” she said. “Think about who you work with, who you are friends with, who you take yoga and pilates with.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, in 2023 an estimated 297,790 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Early detection is the key to hope.
“When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%,” states the Cancer Foundation on its website. “Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years, and there are currently over 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.”
Hear Our Voices
Also held this fall to create community awareness and raise funding, BCSS hosted their annual Hear Our Voices: Team Holly 5K Run & Walk at Gring’s Mill Recreation Area in memory of the late Holly Lamont of Wyomissing, who started the event before dying of breast cancer in 2014 at age 40.
“Holly was a program participant here and she set the 5K up to benefit the organization,” Reinert said.
This year they saw over 325 people attend the 5K, and next year they are shooting for 400 to 500 participants for the 10th anniversary of the walk. Like their Pink Passion for Fashion event, they set a record this year.
“We also set a record for the third year in a row and raised $28,000,” she said.
There are a variety of ways that individuals, families and businesses can sign up to support and participate in their annual walk.
“We have individual and corporate sponsors,” she said. “They can register on their own or with a team with a fundraiser page.”
While BCSS’s larger events have recently passed, they have several third-party fundraisers coming up to benefit BCSS, including two more this month.
“On October 28, we will be at the Cars & Coffee: Driven for a Cause vendor fair and car show at Tom Masano Auto Park from 9 a.m. to noon,” she said. “On October 29, we will be at the Strausstown Rod & Gun Club for their annual Cow Pie Bingo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.”
Positive impact of programs
Reinert discussed the reason behind people and businesses wanting to continue to support their mission ever since the organization was founded in 1994.
“They want to support us when they see the positive impact of our programs,” she said.
Beyond breast cancer survivors, which includes both men and women, BCSS extends support to family members of those who have been diagnosed.
“Men can get breast cancer too, and every member of the family is impacted,” she said. “Our support extends to the entire family and their caregivers.”
Save the date
The Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County’s Pink Passion for Fashion event will be held earlier next year, on Aug. 12, 2024.
About Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County
BCSS, located at 529 Reading Avenue, Suite C, West Reading, offers a full range of free services, resources, education and support for breast cancer survivors at any stage of their diagnosis, along with family or primary caregiver.
To learn more, visit www.bcssberks.org or call the survivor contact line at 610-375-9925.
Become a volunteer with BCSS
Interested volunteers can fill out an application and submit it online at bcssberks.org/ways-to-support-bcss.
BCSS provides a one-hour virtual training for all volunteers.